Ronald W. Pritchard

Ronald W Pritchard, 82 of Geneseo, IL passed away surrounded by family on Friday, November 21, 2025.  The visitation will be held at 10am Wednesday, November 26 at First Baptist Church Geneseo where he was a proud member.  The funeral service will follow at 11am with burial at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo.  Pastor Dave Murphy will officiate.  Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory will be assisting the family with arrangements.  Memorials can be made to: March of Dimes, First Baptist Church, Wounded Warriors and Aisle of Flags in Geneseo.

Ron was born January 17, 1943, in Geneseo to Fred and Grace (Morgan) Pritchard.  He was a graduate of Annawan High School (Go Braves!). 

Ron was a simple man who cared deeply for his family and friends.  He was proud to serve his country in the Army, stationed in Germany, driving his deuce and a half truck down the Autobahn.  In Germany he enjoyed a cold Schwaben Brau or Dinkelacker.  He later dedicated his career to Alcoa, retiring after 40 years, where he would laugh, saying he needed to get back to work to rest after family vacations.

His passion for showing cattle in his youth was shared in adulthood through many stories he had about his one and only true love, Melinda, his champion guernsey heifer. He was an avid Cubs, Bears and Illini fan.  He was also a past member of the Moose Lodge #990, the Masons and the Geneseo Model Railroaders Club. Other activities he enjoyed throughout his life were gardening, spending time on the family farm, playing church league softball, collecting model trains and most of all, spending time with his children playing sports in the backyard.

Ron will be remembered for his humble and kind personality and his “dad-ism” tales and stories. 

Survivors include children, Penny Peterson (Jim Peters) Phoenix, AZ, Pam (John) Thompson, Moline, IL, Paula Pritchard (Jeremy Wilkens) Geneseo, IL, and Mark Pritchard (Kellie Reiling) Geneseo, IL.  Grandchildren: Dustin, Damian (Nicki), Karter, Alesha, Nolan, Olivia, Katelyn, Kaylee and great grandson Zane.  Siblings: Wanda Sturgeon, Linda (Kurt) Lane, Sandy Hannah and Gary Pritchard. 

He was preceded in death by his parents: Fred and Grace (Morgan) Pritchard and brother-in-law’s: Chuck Hannah and Virgil Sturgeon.