Dennis "Mike" Michael Pratt

Dennis “Mike” Michael Pratt, age 70, of Leaf River, IL, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Serenity Hospice & Home in Oregon, IL, with family by his side. He was born November 8, 1954, in Gary, IN, to Growman and Phyllis (Thom) Pratt. Mike married Debra Poggioli on July 15, 2005, in Galena, IL.

Mike graduated from Lincoln High School in Cambridge City, IN, in 1973 and entered ITT Technical Institute in Indianapolis, IN. He received two degrees in the field of electronics technology and graduated in 1978. In 1979, Mike moved to Illinois to work as an Automation Specialist for Amoco. He officially retired when he received his cancer diagnosis in late 2022. At that time, he was working at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, IL. In 1993, he became a Member of the Loyal Order of Moose in Mt. Morris, IL.

Mike spent many years boating and fishing at Lake Carroll. He also enjoyed playing his guitar, singing, and watching birds, but Mike loved spending time with his family the most, especially his nine grandkids.

Survivors include his wife, Debra; daughter, Elizabeth (Christopher) McDermott, Mt. Carroll, IL; daughter, Emily (Daniel) Gillingham, Freeport, IL; son, Jonathan (Mariena) Pratt, Leaf River, IL; grandchildren, Mary, Martha, and Maurine McDermott; Adam, Rachel, Caleb, and Rebekah Gillingham; Lily and Timothy Pratt; sister, Janie Barger, Columbus, IN; mother-in-law, Sue Poggioli, Rockford, IL; sister-in-law, Diane (Steve) Swanson, Leaf River, IL; brother-in-law, Daniel (Chris) Poggioli, Pecatonica, IL; brother-in-law, Dennis Poggioli, Chicago, IL.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Pratt; and father-in-law, Harry Poggioli.

The family would like to express special thanks to the wonderful Doctors and Nurses at the Mercy Health Cancer Center and Serenity Hospice & Home for their exceptional care.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The River’s Edge Experience, Oregon, IL.

A memorial fund has been established in Mike’s name or donations may be sent to Serenity Hospice & Home, 1658 South IL Route 2, Oregon, IL 61061.