WILLIAM PRATT

William “Billy” Pratt

April 21, 1957 - October 16, 2020

William was a reserved man with a great smile who had a profound effect on anyone who got to know him. His smile was radiant while his laugh was infectious. William loved, loved, loved bikes, technology, and music. His love of bikes evolved in 1974 with Bill's Bike Repair Business out of the family basement. This venture progressed into a sizeable business which required a store front; today, this is currently Cannova's Pizzeria in downtown Neenah. In 1978, Classcycles was established.

During this time-frame of William's life, he participated in many cycling adventures. He managed the Classcycles BMX race team and traveled to many of the races with the kids. When he wasn't racing, he assisted with building the Winnebago BMX track in Oshkosh.

In 1986, William moved to Minneapolis where he owned a tech business with his sister, Nancy. During his 20-year duration in the area, he also worked at Erik's Bike Shop serving in many capacities: sales manager, purchasing and warranty work. In his spare time, he coached a youth road biking group which he took great pride in.

William's love of cycling continued when he moved back to the Neenah area with his work at Recyclist. His drive to excel at the sport was greatly influenced by increased nutrition education and carried him through the rest of his career. William was very eager to share his knowledge with the cycling community to enhance a rider's performance.

His love of technology was prevalent in his life; this was showcased in his finest endeavor when he joined his brother, Stephen “Pratter” at Cranked Bike Studio in downtown Neenah.  William helped create the greatest bike store by utilizing his skills as sales manager, display organizer, bookkeeper, warehouse controller and computer tech.

William is survived by his brother, Stephen “Pratter”, his nephew, Evan (Rachel) Stensrud and great-nieces: Ella and Nora. He has joined his parents, Bob and Tricia, and his sister Nancy.

On Sunday, April 25th, we will join together at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home for a memorial gathering in William's honor.  Also, weather permitting, there will be a commemorative ride on the Loop the Lake route, followed by food and beverages at The Dome in Neenah to share stories, laugh and celebrate William's life.

Instead of flowers, a memorial will be established in William`s name to Winnebago BMX track in Oshkosh.  Donations can be addressed to Stephen Pratt, in care of Westgor Funeral Home, 205 W. Doty Ave., Neenah, WI, 54956.

William's family would like to thank the Heartland Hospice for the compassionate care they showed William.