Richard L. "Dick" Pruett, age 86, of West Bend, passed away Friday March 20, 2015 at Cedar Bay West, West Bend.
He was born on July 31, 1928 in Appleton to the late Ira and Cordell (nee Cloos) Pruett. He spent the majority of his childhood in Appleton, and at the young age of 16 Dick joined the Brooklyn Dodgers, to pursue his passion for baseball as their left-handed pitcher. Baseball stardom fell short for Dick as he went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he was awarded a Purple Heart.
On April 4, 1953 Richard was united in marriage to Bernadine "Bernie" Brockman at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Appleton, often joking that she had chased him since middle school. They moved to West Bend in 1960 to raise their family. Dick and Bernie became active members of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in West Bend.
A hard working man, Dick founded Pruett's Floor Covering in Saukville in 1976. Later moving the business to West Bend, and eventually having his sons Todd and Jay assuming the responsibility of the business.
When Dick had down time, he attended his grandchildren's sports, academic, and musical events, dabbled a bit at the casino, fished, and enjoyed company with friends. His strong heart was instilled in many friends and family, and those close to him know this could come with a witty stubbornness. Dick's grandchildren still quote his humor. Dick spent his last few days divulging crucial words of wisdom to his family members.
He is survived by four children, Tim (Donna) Pruett of Slinger, Jodi (Frank) Micale of Neenah, Maurie (David) Osgood of West Bend, and Jay Pruett of West Bend; a daughter-in-law, Patty Pruett of West Bend; 10 grandchildren, Ryan (Rachel) Micale, Calli Micale, Melissa Micale, Andrea (Chris) Zaczyk, Lindsey Osgood, Tanner Pruett, Trevor Pruett, Turner Pruett, Brandon Spaeth, and Krystal Pruett; two great-grandchildren, Lily Micale, and Dharmakaya Micale; sister, Margaret (James) Rudolf of Appleton; brother, William (Syd) Pruett of Kenosha; brother-in-law, Clarence (Helen) Brockman of Hershey, PA; other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bernie in 2007; son, Todd in 2010; brothers, Charles Pruett, and James Pruett along with his wife Kyoko; a sister-in-law, Joan Pruett.
Honoring Dick's wishes, family graveside services will be held on Wednesday at Washington County Memorial Park, West Bend.