JoAnne Pratt

JoAnne Marie (Senart) Pratt was born December 2, 1959 in Holdingford, MN, the daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann (Denk) Senart. She was raised in Holdingford where attended school. In 1976 her family moved to Cold Spring where she graduated from high school in 1978. Following her schooling she enlisted in the United States Air Force. After a brief time with the Air Force she returned to Minnesota and lived in Melrose and later Avon where she worked as a waitress. On September 8, 1919 JoAnne was united in marriage to Douglas Brackin at the Forada Presbyterian Church. JoAnne was blessed with two children, Rachael and Bradley. The couple moved to Cedar Park, TX. JoAnne worked at a nursing home in Austin and later at Motorola. She then became a home health aide. On February 14, 1994 JoAnne was united in marriage to Leland Pratt at Leland?s parents? home. The family moved to New Mexico where JoAnne established a business making and selling pottery. While living in New Mexico, JoAnne was diagnosed with Huntington?s disease. As the disease progressed JoAnne?s daughter, Rachael, took over her mother?s care in 1998. JoAnne was brought back to Minnesota and made her home at the Viking Towers. As her disease progressed JoAnne eventually moved to Knute Nelson. JoAnne enjoyed spending time shopping and going out to eat at Perkins. She enjoyed hot air ballooning and participated as a crewmember at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. JoAnne loved celebrating Christmas. She also served her family as historian and genealogist. Most special to JoAnne was the time she spent with her grandchildren; she couldn?t have loved them more. On Sunday, February 22, 2009 JoAnne died at the age of forty-nine years. JoAnne was active with the Huntington?s Disease Society. As a gesture of love and hope for her family JoAnne chose to donate her body to science. The Harvard medical School, doing research on Huntington?s will benefit directly from JoAnne?s donation. She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Senart; her twin sons, Jude & Simon; her brother, Duane Senart; and an infant niece, Kelly. JoAnne is survived by her daughter, Rachael Radil and husband, Matthew, of Alexandria; her son, Bradley Brackin and friend, Julia, of Fifty Lakes, MN; her grandchildren, James Radil, Evan Radil, Jordan Brackin, McKenzie Brackin, and Christian Brackin; one brother, Mike Senart of Wisconsin; and two sisters, Jolene Woodard and husband, Richard, of Osakis, MN and Barb Swanton and husband, Scott, of Florida. A memorial service was held Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, MN. Rev. Joan Wittrock officiated. American Legion Post 87 and VFW Post 936 provided military honors. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net