Delbert Pratt

Delbert Pratt age 77 of Nashua, IA died Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at Linn Haven Rehab and Healthcare in New Hampton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 22, 2019, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Nashua, with Rev. Gary Mayer celebrating the Mass. Msgr. John Hemann will con-celebrate. Interment will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens, rural Charles City.

Friends may greet the family 4-7 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2019, at the Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory – Olson Chapel in Nashua where there will be a 7 p.m. scripture service. Visitation will continue from 9:30-10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Delbert Barton Pratt was born on Oct. 9, 1941, in Kiowa, Colorado to Dale and Sophia Pratt. He graduated from Nashua High School in 1960. On May 25, 1963, Delbert married Janet Downing and together they raised four sons; Jim (Nashua, Iowa), Jeff (Owatonna, Minnesota), Joe (Ramstein, Germany) and John (Ankeny, Iowa). Delbert worked as a Farmer and a Construction Ironworker his whole life, which led to little free time but on occasion included a trip to Nashua for ice cream. Delbert and Janet have resided in their current home for the last 49 years. Delbert had three loves in his life; his wife Janet Pratt of 56 years, raising their four sons and watching their grandchildren grow up.

While attending high school at Nashua Community Schools he played football, ran track and field and was in Future Farmers of America. During his four years as a football player, Nashua’s record was 27 wins with but one loss. There was not a football playoff system at that time, but Nashua was selected as the Des Moines Register’s select State Champion Team. This was one of his fondest memories that he imparted upon his sons many times when they were growing up and playing on the sports teams at Nashua High School.

Delbert’s other great driving ambition was to purchase and own his farm. To Delbert and Janet, the farm was not simply a business; it was the centerpiece to a way of life. The farm has been a focus location for countless family gatherings, events, and celebrations. The farm had become such an important position in Delbert’s life that the mere thought of getting to return home to the farm has been the driving motivation that willed his recovery time and again as his health was failing over the last several years.

Prior to moving to their farm north of Nashua. They lived on a farm they rented near Greene, IA. While there they met and developed a lifelong friendship with a group that has always been called the Greene Card Club. This group has been the center of their social lives for over 50 years and one of the greatest and longest lasting relationships outside of their family that was the center of Delbert’s social life.

Delbert was an organic farmer for over 30 years. He was President of the Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) Chapter #4 for 20 Years. He worked as an Ironworker and was a Licensed Journeyman for 45 years. He was a member of St. Michaels Catholic Church, where he served as Eucharistic Minister and Usher. Delbert was a member of the Charles City Knight’s of Columbus. Delbert loved American Western movies while relaxing and lounging around the house. His love for Western movies stemmed from his love of reading western storybooks. One of his favorite authors was Louis L’Amour.

When not working on the family farm, Delbert enjoyed deer hunting with family, spending the fall watching football and supporting the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones.

Delbert is survived by his wife, Janet Pratt of Nashua, IA, four sons, Jim (Erin) Pratt, Jeff Pratt, Joe (Kelly) Pratt, John (Jill) Pratt; ten grandchildren, Bryce, Madison, Landon, Jalynn, Jacob, Kendrick, Nolan, Nicholas, Easton, and Jaeden; two sisters, Delores Lienemann, Diania Rankin.

Delbert was preceded in death by his parents Dale and Sophia; sisters, Emma Mae Janckila and Mary Alderman.