Al Pritchard

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

William Allen Pritchard, known to most as Al, passed away on June 13, 2026, at his home in Cassville, Missouri, in a tractor accident at the age of 86. He died as he lived: always working on something.

Al was born on July 17, 1939, in Sioux Rapids, Iowa, to Walter and Marjorie Pritchard. He graduated from Graceville, Minnesota High School in 1957 and married Jean Hagen in 1959. Together they raised a family of four children while farming over 2,000 acres in west central Minnesota. Al was a farmer through and through, and when he eventually left farming, he carried that same tireless work ethic into everything else he did.

After marrying Kathy Buchholz, Al moved to Cassville, Missouri, where he raised her sons and built a full and busy life. He ran a crew that refurbished equipment for the canning industry, traveling all over the country to get the job done. He grew especially close to Scott as they travelled together on the crew. Closer to home, he helped Kris get his start as an award-winning cabinet maker in the shop on his property. He designed and built several steel buildings and other structures throughout the Cassville community, leaving a lasting mark on the place he called home.

Al was determined, and the people who loved him would be the first to tell you that. But he was also always willing to help a friend, no questions asked. He found deep satisfaction in repairing his equipment, keeping his lawn looking just right, and talking about the weather. He loved growing sweet corn and hosting his mid-summer corn feed for his friends, neighbors, and family. He was a proud, deeply patriotic man who held a profound love for his country. He loved his many dogs throughout the years, most recently his loyal companion, Bud. He had a lifelong passion for John Deere tractors, a brand he respected and trusted above all others. He also loved rodeo activities at the Longhorn Arena and, more than anything, he loved being with his children, stepchildren, and grandchildren. He worked until his dying day, and that is exactly how he would have liked it.

Al was a member of the Cassville United Methodist Church, and his faith quietly guided his life of service and hard work. May he now rest in the peace he so richly earned.

Al is survived by his wife, Kathy of Aurora; his children, Jeffrey (Ruthie) Pritchard, Jodi Pritchard, Troy Pritchard, Melissa (Earl) Rapp, and Kasey (Cassandra) Pipo; his stepchildren, Steve (Dawn) Buchholz, Scott (Joyce) Buchholz, Kris (Emily) Buchholz, and Kevin (Tara) Buchholz; his sister, Gail Fuhrman; his brother, Burton (Linda) Pritchard; his sister, Kathleen Pritchard; grandchildren, Allison Hunt, Emily Rapp, Rebecca George, Katie Buchholz, Cole, Audrey and Jack Buchholz, Julian Hearne, Jasmine and Scarlet Buchholz, Owen Pipo, and six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Marjorie Pritchard and grandson, Anthony Rapp.

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Pastor Jeff Fugitt will conduct the services. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Cassville, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until service time Saturday at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

Contributions may be made to Cassville United Methodist Church in memory of Al.