Helen Pratt

Helen Dorothy Pratt, faithful servant of the Lord, stepped into eternity with Jesus early Saturday morning, August 28th, 2010, in the company of her loving family. Helen was born on March 13, 1917 to Emmett and Mary (Spading) Long of St. Joseph. She married John Robert Pratt on December 16, 1939 in St. Joseph, and they remained in this area their entire lives. Helen belonged most of her life to Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, where she was actively involved in Parent-Teacher League, Concordia Guild, Bible studies and many other church and school activities, including school secretary. She was preceded in death by her husband, John, on November 24, 1979, just days shy of their 40th wedding anniversary. She was also preceded in death by her brothers Franklin and Emmett Long as well as her parents. She devoted her life to honoring God in her marriage and in her caring for her family. She is survived by her three sons: John Pratt, Jr. (Elaine) of Anchorage, Alaska; David Pratt (Tina) of Burr Oak, Michigan; Thomas Pratt (Dianne) of Benton Harbor, Michigan; and two daughters: Deborah Pratt of Benton Harbor, Michigan; and Linda Pratt of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She is survived also by her grandchildren: David Pratt, Jr., Christine Pratt, Kimberly (Pratt) Bush, Steven Pratt, Julie (Pratt) Huisjen, Erika Munoz, Delaney Best, Avery Best, Brandon Dunagan, and Tyler Thompson; great-grandchildren: Isaac and Helen Pratt; Jozi and Jenna Bart; Anna Hudson, Teagan and Ian Bush; Parker, Bret, JT (John), and Violet Huisjen; and Sarah Pratt. She is survived also by her sister Elsie (Long) Maurig of St. Joseph, Michigan. Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 31, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel in St. Joseph. God's blessings in her life and faith will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 1, at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, followed by a brief prayer service at Riverview Cemetery. A luncheon at the church's Lighthouse Café will immediately follow. Memorials may be made to Lutheran Worship for Shut-Ins, the Lutheran Hour, or Trinity Lutheran School. Helen's greatest desire in life was that her family would love God and join her in heaven someday. She leaves a legacy of faith, peace, kindness, truth, and honor to the Lord our God. Rejoice with us as she rests in the arms of Jesus.