Lawrence Leslie Pratt

Lawrence Leslie Pratt, 87, of Elk Grove Village, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home under hospice care on October 3, 2025, with family by his side.

Born on August 10, 1938, in Scottville, Michigan (Mason County), Lawrence was the son of Leslie Granville Pratt and Mary (Kava) Pratt. After graduating high school, he proudly served in the United States Air Force as an automotive mechanic, stationed first in Thule, Greenland, and later in Arizona. His service years sparked a lifelong curiosity about the wider world, leading him to travel throughout the United States and abroad to England, France, Switzerland, and the Philippines.

In August 1963, Lawrence married the love of his life, Jackie Dee (Southerland) Pratt. Together, they shared a devoted marriage until her passing on February 5, 2011, and raised two children in the Chicago suburbs before retiring to Mahomet, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Helen (Pratt) Howe and Mary Lou (Pratt) Miller. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, David Pratt and Nancy Polo; his daughter and son-in-law, Marisa (Pratt) and Steve Anstey; and three daughters from earlier in life, Kathy Crews, Cindi Elmer, and Jacqueline Pratt. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Zachary Ware (and his wife Ashley), Haley Ware (and her husband Juan Cruz), Emma Pratt, and William Pratt.

Lawrence built a long and successful career in sales—first in dental equipment and later in medical equipment—with a territory spanning much of the Midwest. He took great pride in his work and was known for his humor, and generosity.

A devoted Christian, Lawrence remained active in his local church throughout his life. During his years in Mahomet, he served his community in many ways, including as chair of the Sangamon River Music Festival. He loved dogs, photography, and travel, and had an early fascination with technology—building his own computers long before it became common. He also enjoyed collecting antiques and preserving family memories through photos and home videos.

Lawrence will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and friend—a man who approached life with curiosity, warmth, and kindness.

Cremation has taken place, and his remains will be buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Custer, Michigan. A private graveside ceremony will be held on October 15, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to The Anti-Cruelty Society, a cause close to his heart.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options in Schiller Park, Illinois.