Jan Pratt

We are in sorrow over the loss of Janis Sue Pratt, age 73, who died August 17th at home in Centennial, CO, under hospice care. She is survived by her husband Ron, a daughter Kirstin Hildahl (Mark), sons Brandan Pratt (Liza) and Kyle Pratt (Stephanie), along with eight grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother Lee Milne and a sister, Joy Wolf.

Jan was born on August 13th, 1950 to Fred and Eunice Milne in Steger, Illinois. She graduated from Bloom High School in Chicago heights and went on to Northern Illinois University, where she studied education. She later obtained a Master's degree from Governor State University. She worked as a teacher in the Steger School District for the most of her career, teaching grades one through five and special education. Toward the end of her career, she taught special education at Richards High School. As an educator, she was one of the first to utilize the Orton Gillingham technique to teach countless students and adults to read. Over a 38-year career, she touched the minds of hundreds of students. Her proudest career accomplishment was watching her special education students walk down the aisle at graduation.

Jan and Ron were married in 1975 and went on to have three children. Their first home was in Chicago Heights on Pamela Drive. During the first twelve years, Ron worked swing shift or nights, leaving Jan to raise the children. She was able to draw on a close-knit neighborhood and nearby parents to lend a hand. Jan had a strong influence on her children, guiding them and giving them the strength to make good decisions on their own. They moved to Tinley Park in 1994 where the children finished high school. Jan and Ron retired and moved to their current home in Centennial in 2010, following their daughter who had moved here earlier and started her family.

Jan enjoyed traveling. She traveled the world leading high school students with the People to People Ambassador Program. Some of her other enjoyments included drives into the mountains, visiting wineries, breweries, enjoying live music and spending time with family and friends. Jan and Ron were instrumental in hosting activities to increase the sense of belonging and community in the Pointe neighborhood. She lovingly planted and tended to the flowers at the Pointe entry sign before COVID.

Jan would like to be remembered as having empathy, a sense of humor, and being a good friend.

A celebration of life will be conducted and live-streamed at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary (6601 South Colorado Boulevard, Centennial, CO 80121) on September 2nd, 2023 at 10am.

Donations in Jans name can be made to Wingsofhopepcr.org