Melda Madge Pritchard
April 13, 1920 ~ March 10, 2023
Melda Madge Pritchard, 102, passed away on March 10, 2023, peacefully at her daughter Lonnie's home in Princeton, IL, surrounded by those who love her. She was born on April 13th, 1920, in Tiskilwa, IL to Arvid and Anna (Lundeen) Magnuson.
She met her husband, Robert J. Pritchard, while they both attended Brown's Business School in Peoria. During WWII, while her husband was serving in the Armed Forces in France, she lived with her parents and taught school in the one-room country school, Henkins School near Putnam, where she actually had attended grade school herself. After the war, she and her husband farmed in Tiskilwa, the Tampico area and Wyanet. She was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church and served in many capacities over the years. Melda was a skilled seamstress and a 4-H leader.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and her brothers, Roger D. Magnuson and C. Richard Magnuson. Surviving are her children, Anna Kay Mitchener of Peoria Heights. Carol Wiggim of O'Fallon, MO and Elaine "Lonnie" (David) Caldwell of Princeton, ten grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her brother, Edwin Magnuson of Milan and Bonnie Koehler of Corona Del Mar, CA, and many nieces and nephews.
After retirement from farming, she and her husband spent many wonderful winters at their home in Fort Myers, FL., hosting get-togethers with family and friends. Those winters added years to their lives. They also traveled extensively in the United States, by plane, train, automobile and motor home…often accompanied by grandchildren.
She was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and we shall miss her terribly.
The visitation will be from 10-11:00am, followed by an 11:00am funeral on Saturday, March 18th, 2023 at the Princeton United Methodist Church. Reverend Ryan Sutton will officiate the services. Burial is at Putnam Cemetery, Putnam, IL
Memorials may be directed to Princeton United Methodist Church or donor choice.
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I had the privilege of meeting Melda when she visited her daughter Carol who is my dear friend. She will be missed greatly by all.
Carol, Lonnie and all of your families,
I am so sorry for the loss of your Melda.
She was just a treasure. When I saw her, we always chatted for awhile…knowing all the same people.
She had a wonderful and eventful life. She adored her girls and those grandkids.
God Bless you all and hugs and prayers.
Her service was wonderful, fantastic tribute
Love
Bettie Jo
Beautiful video of Melda’s life! She was living life to the max as she enjoyed family & friends! Thankful to have known her- loved her God given personality & smile! Wit & fun! You will be missed Melda! Until we see you again!