June Pratt passed away peacefully before sunrise on September 21, 2020 in view of the mountains and clear skies of Montana, and held in the warm embrace of her family and the Helena community that she loved so dearly.
June was born in Edgerton, Wisconsin on June 13th, 1945 to Herman Carlton Thomas Witt and Thelma Ileen (Nofsinger) Witt. The second of three children including her older sister, Ruby Nagel, and younger brother, Glen Witt. She was baptized, confirmed, and later married at St. John Lutheran Church in Edgerton, Wisconsin.
June grew up on the family dairy farm where she loved to be outdoors tending to the vegetable and flower gardens and following close behind her father as he worked the farm. Nurtured by her mother and grandmother, she learned to sew, crochet, embroider and weave, and through 4-H, became an exceptional seamstress. June shared these skills throughout her life as a means to create, connect, and contribute to her community, her church, and her family and friends.
At 18 years old, she met the love of her life, Lyle Pratt, an Army Lieutenant, and graduate student at the University of Wisconsin. They married in 1964 and began a lifelong adventure and commitment to service, fellowship, and community they shared every day of their 56-year marriage. June joined Lyle at UW, and earned her BS degree in 1967. She spoke often and fondly of her time in college, immersing herself in the extensive textile library, and learning about history and culture through design, fabric and craft.
Lyle’s career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture took them to Washington, DC, Stillwater, Minnesota, Helena, Montana, Madison, Wisconsin, and finally retiring in 1996 to Helena, the city they adored above all others. Along the way, they raised their two beloved sons, Craig and Aaron. On their 25th wedding anniversary, they renewed their vows at Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park, a place they revisited annually with their closest family and friends for nearly 30 years.
June fulfilled her passion for service and the Helena community by contributing to the YWCA, Florence Crittenton Home, The Friendship Center, Shodair Children’s Hospital, and St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation. The center of her spiritual life was Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, where she served on countless committees and contributed to every effort to create, build, and fulfill the mission of the church and exemplify the fellowship of this congregation for nearly 40 years.
After raising her two boys, June quickly established her professional career in product development at the American Girl doll company. There she was able to indulge her love of history, education, and craft contributing her diverse talents to American Girl products, publications, and retail stores across the country. In retirement, she continued to contribute to special projects and share her experience at American Girl with children in Helena and beyond.
Throughout her life, June stayed true to her roots as a Wisconsin farm girl, taking great pleasure in lingering visits with family and friends, exploring and learning about nature and people, and cultivating a life overflowing with service, giving, and empathy. June’s home was always a welcoming and accepting place for all people to gather, break bread, create and connect.
June is survived by her faithful and adoring husband, Lyle, her two sons, Craig, of Portland, Oregon and Aaron of Helena, Montana, their wives, Shahnaz Pratt and Melinda Martin, and her cherished granddaughters, Alyssa, Sophia and Laurel. She is survived by her sister, Ruby Nagel, and brother, Glen (Lenore) Witt, and preceded in death by her parents and twin grandchildren, Nolan and Jason.
June’s family wishes to thank the caring professionals at Touchmark, St. Peter’s Health, and St. Peter’s Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion during her final years. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association (act.alz.org/goto/June_Pratt) or the Lewis & Clark County Humane Society (lchsmontana.org).
A Memorial Service for June will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at 2:00 p.m., at Our Redeemers Lutheran Church, 3580 N. Benton Ave. The service will be held in our sanctuary. Seating will be limited, and social distancing and face masks will be required, no reception will follow. The service will also be live-streamed, it may be viewed by going to our website, www.ourredeemerlives.org and click on the button: “June Pratt memorial”.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of June.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
2:00 p.m.
Thursday October 1, 2020
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
2:00 p.m.
Thursday October 1, 2020
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Shawna Donaldson says
June was a lovely & kind woman. I always enjoyed visiting with her and Lyle at the Senior Center. She was sure missed once she moved and was no longer able to come. Lyle you’re amazing care and love for June showed in all you did. May God guide you through these days ahead as you remember her life and great memories of time you had together.
Wilma Tabaracci says
Oh sweet June, you will be missed, but your gifts will live on❤️
Pam Schindler says
Oh June, we are sorry to learn of your passing. What a great lady; creative, kind and giving ! You will be missed both in our neighborhood and in our hearts.
Lyle, we are here to help.
Pam and Eric Schindler
Doris Romanisko says
Both June and Lyle contributed hundreds of creative hours on St Peter’s Hospital Foundation’s galas. They were tireless. June had a way of creating and decorating while always doing it at a minimal cost. I am glad I had this woman in my life.
Joy Novota says
All our lives were enhanced in so many ways when June Pratt was in our midst…we loved you, June, & you are missed. Dance with the angels…you can likely help them make some new gossamer gowns! Now you can be ‘June’ again. God’s peace & our sympathy to Lyle, the boys & families. Love forever from Gary & Joy ~*~*
Larry and Chris Hoffman says
Dear Lyle and family,
As leary as June felt, I am so glad she and I had a chat and I told her I loved her. Her eyes sparkled and we smiled. I will always remember one of our last visits.
We as couples shared in a fun gourmet dinner club. They was a night of laughter and a lot of good food with friends. We also had laughter therapy club once a month for our dear Fran Gilbertson who was ill. I think we all laughed and talked and celebrated many occasions together with the club. June came by and crafted little gifts with and for our daughter when she was badly hurt. She helped with our oldest daughters wedding efficiently and beautifully. Kyle used his talents with pictures for the wedding. I can name so much more in all the years we have known June and Lyle. They were so kind to hold Bible Study in their beautiful home. June, I will miss your smiles, chat and friendship. Our American Girl tea party wi TY h the girls was great. I could go on. But ill always remember June with such fondness and love. Now June, you are at peace and an angel for Lyle. God bless you Lyle. Call us anytime as we will you as well. May peace be with you.
Annette Wakefield says
My life was enhanced by knowing a dear woman named June Pratt. Her talents were boundless. I marveled at her creative ideas, especially in sewing. I was privileged to spend time in your home with others of us, sewing and enjoying our fellowship. June and Lyle lived a block away from us for several years. When our daughter got married, June was a huge help in the details. I will always remember that. June was so outgoing, kind and endearing, cheerful, always with a big smile. I loved her. Lyle, you took such good and loving care of her and I know that you and your lovely family are feeling a great loss. June is at peace after such a long fight and she lives on in your hearts. May God comfort all of you in your sorrow and give you peace.
Nan LeFebvre says
Aaron and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. May the love you have and the good memories you hold get you through this difficult time.
Peace to you,
Dan and Marcy McLean says
June, all of Helena and especially ORLC miss you. You blessed us all with your smile, kind thoughts and words, your awesome talents, and generous gifts to our community. We are grateful for your friendship and love that you shared with all of us.
You even loved Star, the “kleptodog“, and she would miss you too. we will always remember your grace, wit, and love with fondness.
Lyle, what a great neighbor and friend you are as well. We ache for your loss, and know that June is looking down on you and your sons and grandchildren with love a care..May God bless you and keep watch over you now in this time of grieving, and always. We love you.
Randy Soergel says
Sending condolences to the family of June from Don Becker and Joyce Soergel. I went to school with Glen and my sister Joyce and I knew June from church. We’re very sorry to hear about June.
Linda Huso says
Dear Lyle and all of June’s family,
We are so sad to hear of your loss. June always had a wonderful smile
and impessive sewing skills. She was a blessing to her church and all those
around her. God bless you all. Treasure the precious memories.
Most Sincerely,
Linda and Merlyn Huso
Howard Haines says
Lyle and all, You and your family are in our prayers. I really miss June, but I know you miss her more. God bless.
Laura Bergstrom says
For some reason, I was thinking of June today. We haven’t seen Lyle and June for 20 plus years but kept in contact for a while through Christmas cards. When my husband Corey got a job with WASS, Lyle and June took us in. We were a young couple with no family in the area and they brought us into their family. June was the sweetest lady with the best hospitality. She could really cook. I used to show horses and she sewed 2 very fancy show vests for me. She was an amazing seamstress. So sorry we lost touch but Lyle and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Laura Bergstrom