Gary Thomas Pritchard

Gary Thomas Pritchard, 81, of the Town of Rome, Wis., formerly of Grafton, Wis., passed away peacefully in his sleep and went home to be with Jesus the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, after a long fight battling congestive heart failure.

Gary was born on June 29, 1943, in Milwaukee, Wis., to the late Hayden and Leonora (Druschke) Pritchard. He was born with a competitive spirit and caring soul that he shared with his numerous students, athletes, friends and family.

He married his high school sweetheart, Marlene D. Woyach, on Jan. 23, 1965, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Milwaukee, Wis.

Gary attended Shorewood and Germantown high schools before enrolling at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he earned a master of education degree.

  Gary became a devoted educator in business law and accounting at Grafton High School. He was known as a patient, encouraging, methodical and organized teacher.

Gary’s unending love of sports led him to coach tennis, football and basketball as a young teacher before focusing on cross country and track. Known as Coach Pritch, he was also a successful, impactful and popular cross-country and track coach at Grafton High School, where he taught and coached for 35 years. He kept in touch with many of his student athletes after their graduation. Coach Pritch earned many accolades, such as Coach of the Year, and took his Grafton Black Hawk runners to state several times.

Gary held many leadership positions in various organizations, such as president of the Wisconsin Teacher’s Business Association, treasurer of the Lions Club in Grafton, Wis., and treasurer of the men’s golf league at Lake Arrowhead.

After his retirement from Grafton High School, he continued his love of coaching cross country for Assumption High School in Wisconsin Rapids, where he took his new team to the state tournament.

Pritch enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and all college sports.  He loved people and was a very active person.

In retirement, Pritch enjoyed playing cards, horseshoes and especially golfing with his men’s Lake Arrowhead League.  More than anything else, he loved spending time with his family and friends.

Gary was a loving husband, father, grandpa and friend. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marlene; his three children, Todd Pritchard, Tracy (Tim) Corbin and T.J. (Stephanie) Pritchard; his four grandchildren, Tyler, Jac, Sydney and Paige; his brother Ron (Jean) Pritchard; his sister Debbie (Terry) Sander; his brother-in-law Ron Woyach; and his sister-in-law Barb Sparks; as well as many special nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Hayden and Leonora Pritchard and his brothers-in-law Kenneth Woyach and Larry Woyach.

Although Gary is no longer here with us, he will live in our hearts forever. He left a big impact on everyone who knew him and he encouraged and mentored countless students and athletes. Gary lived life to the fullest until the Lord called him home.

A celebration of life will be held in honor of Gary Thomas Pritchard — “Pritch”  —on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at his favorite place: the Lake Arrowhead Club House in Nekoosa, Wis.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the schools and athletic programs that were close to his heart:  Grafton High School Athletic Booster Club or Assumption Foundation Inc.