OUR Tribute to DanThere are many things that my parents taught us kids, but the one that meant the most to me was the importance of family. Being the oldest of seven children, having children of my own someday was a dream, a desire to have as many as God would bless me with.My first son, James was born in June 1974 and I was elated. About 2 years later, I found out that I would be having another baby, a sibling for little Jimmy. Life was great when on Sept. 29, 1976, Daniel Thomas Pritchard arrived. The 2 boys would soon be old enough to become buddies, best friends and inseparable. Even though my marriage ended and their father chose to be out of the picture, I pushed harder to be the best mother and father figure to my boys that I could be. With the help from family and friends, my boys were happy and healthy, what most parents wish for. I helped my boys pursue their interests as they grew up. Their interests besides playing with the neighborhood kids in our backyard and riding their big wheels down the sidewalk, was their love of art. As years went by with many challenges and hurdles to jump that most parents face raising kids in their teenage years, school and art became less interesting. Out came the skate boards, BMX bikes and the era of video games. Some bad decisions, played a role in both boys growing up fast, but also taught Jim and Dan a lot about life’s lessons.I was so happy to hear years later that Dan had a nice girlfriend and I’ll never forget the phone call that I received from Dan, particularly when the first words were “Mom, are you sitting down? You’re going to be a Grandma again!” Kenzo Robert Pritchard was the cutest little boy and Dan was so in awe of being a father. Unfortunately his past indiscretions returned and his relationship ended, but not being a good father to Kenzo.Dan had a lot of jobs in his life early on, but had difficulty finding his perfect niche, until he returned to his first love….art and drawing. Tattooing quickly became his new career path and he was so good! Later on Dan met Sarah. We often said that they seemed good for each other. A few years went by and Edward Elvis Pritchard was born and he was so happy. Dan continued to do tattooing in shops in Kenosha and Racine. Dan’s creativity and tattoo artistry was well known in southeastern Wisconsin.Many who knew Dan would agree that he had a quick wit and great sense of humor. We could always get a chuckle over the silliest comment in our conversations. During the last 4-5 years of Dan’s life, he struggled with the emotional and physical pain of “living in the fast lane”. Dan was not the type of person to share his thoughts with most people he knew, unless he really trusted you. He masked a lot of his feelings, both mental and physical with alcohol and a brave front.A little over 2 years ago, Dan’s life was changed forever, when he fell and fractured several cerebral vertebrae, which resulted in paralysis. He could no longer tattoo, drawing for him was very difficult and his body was failing him. He took up cooking and he became better than he previously was. He also continued on the creative and artistic path, by making new art out of objects he would find and encouraging his son Edward to pursue his own abilities in arts, crafts and creativity.In the early morning hours of Nov. 12, 2020, we received a call that no parent wants to hear. Even though I wasn’t ready to hear the words that Dan was gone, I know that he is in a much better place. Many of you saw Dan as the “life of the party” but rest assured that he is still a source of joy, celebrating with his Grandma, Grandpa and other loved ones in heaven.Pray for his sons Kenzo, Edward and a very special woman in his life, Sarah Jochum. Sarah had been at Dan’s side through both good and a lot of difficult times. Also pray for his brother Jim, step-sisters, Kim, Melissa, Christy, step-daughter Guen, grand-daughter Raelynna, family and countless friends. Time will ease our sadness. As Dan would say…..TCBWe love you Dan with all of our hearts.Mom and Ron

Although we lived 1000 miles apart and never got to know each other very well I am deeply saddened to hear of your passing. We all know you are in a great place but our family now has a void. Please say hello to Grandma and Grandpa Z for me. God speed to your family especially my sister Diane. Until we meet again, Rest In Peace nephew Dan. Uncle Tom and Aunt Cindy

Fly high my old friend ..... I can’t remember what year it was , Owen Ave years .... when we both realized that we shared a birthday and weren’t just celebrating by ourselves! Fly so very high .🌈💫❤️

Goodbye my old friend.