Albert H. Pritchard "Al", 93, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family.\r\n He was born in Eau Claire, on October 16, 1917 to John and Mary (Pulvermacher) Pritchard. He was a lifetime resident of the Township of Union. Al grew up on the family farm and remained on the homestead for the rest of his life. He attended Sherman School and graduated in 1935 from St. Patrick's High School. \r\n Al married Doris Tompkins on October 7, 1939 in Eau Claire at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. In 2009 they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with many family and friends.\r\n He started working at his lifetime career with the Farmer's Store Company in 1933 which was briefly interrupted when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, in 1943. He attended Fenn College in Cleveland, Ohio for Flight Training and after earning his wings, he flew C47's carrying para-troopers and pulling gliders. Due to his ranking as an officer, his wife Doris was able to accompany him for much of his military experiences. Al was a member of the 101st Airborne Division (SADSAC) ending his military career by flying troops home after the war.\r\nAl resumed his career at the Farmer's Store Company, progressing from floor manager, to grocery buyer, to general merchandise manager and eventually president of the company. After 75 plus years of dedicated service to the company, he was finally able to spend more time at home and in his garden feeding "half of Eau Claire" with his sweet corn.\r\n Al is survived by his wife, Doris; children, Ann (Greg) Smith of De Forest, Michael (Patti) Pritchard of Eau Claire, Peter (Cathy) Pritchard of Menomonie; 9 grandchildren, Bryan Hobbs, Ben and Jake Smith, Patrick (Melissa) Pritchard, Angi Pritchard, Amy (Mike) Williams, David (Raechel) Pritchard, Jodi (Tim) Demulling and Tim Ahlman; 11 great-grandchildren; sister Agnes Stolp and also by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.\r\n He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Karen Hobbs; brothers; Thomas, William and Robert Pritchard; sisters, Elizabeth Mount and Sadie Adler.\r\n A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th St., at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 28, 2011 with Father John Schultz officiating. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire with military honors conducted by American Legion Post 53. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 27, 2011 at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, WEST CHAPEL LOCATION, 1405 N. Clairemont Ave., with a Public Prayer Vigil at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the mass at church on Saturday.\r\n The family would like to extend a special thank you to Luther Hospital Staff, St. Joseph's Hospice and the in-home care givers who provided exceptional care and made his stay at home comfortable and possible during his final weeks. Also, a very special thanks to Marge and D.B. Reinhart and family for their friendship and support throughout the years. \r\n Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral and Cremation Services is serving his family.

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