Neal W. Prichard
Neal W. Prichard, age 82 of Menomonie, died Friday, January 1, 2016 at the Neighbors of Dunn County in Menomonie with his family by his side.
Neal was born on January 28, 1933 in Ellsworth. He was the son of William A. and Jean (Hastings) Prichard, he grew up in Minneapolis, MN and attended Minnehaha Congregational Church. Neal graduated from the University of Minnesota and then spent two years in the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant. He returned to work for the Minnesota Department of Education, Neal then earned his Master’s Degree at the University of Minnesota and taught at Mankato State University. Neal married Patricia Barnes in 1959 at the Minnehaha Congregation Church in Minneapolis. After Patricia graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.S.N. and P.H.N., Neal went to Penn State University where he earned his doctorate in 1960. In 1962, Neal and Patricia moved to Menomonie where he started his 31-year career as a Professor at UW-Stout. Neal’s life’s work was vocational and technical education, and he mentored many graduate and international students. He was elected and served many years on the Faculty Senate, the Dunn County Board of Supervisors, the Menomonie City Planning Commission, a member of Rotary International, Wisconsin Retired Educators Association and Wisconsin Education Association. Neal was elected by the Stout faculty as a Faculty Marshall. Neal was named Professor Emeritus at UW-Stout in 1993 when he retired. For last couple of years, Neal was a resident of the Neighbors of Dunn County.
Neal enjoyed camping, fishing, wood working, music and traveling. He was warm and welcoming with everyone, from students to friends, and he was invested in his children. Most of all, Neal loved spending time with family and friends.
Neal is survived by his wife of 56 years, Pat, his children; Linda (Raymond) Prichard Thompson of Oakdale, Mark (Lynn Ellis) Prichard of Birmingham, AL and Scot of Muskego, eight grandchildren; Katie and Ryan Thompson, Joshua and Brian Prichard, Amanda, Austin, Allan and Arianna Prichard, one brother; Raymond Prichard of Marshall, MO, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial Services will be 11:00 AM Friday, January 8, 2016 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Menomonie with Rev. James “Buck” Firth officiating. Burial will be in the First Congregational Memorial Garden at a later date. Visitation will be Thursday from 4-7 PM at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Neal’s name to Stepping Stones Food Pantry, UW-Stout Scholarship Fund or a local charity of your choice.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Menomonie, is serving the family.