Roger Dale Pritchard

Roger Dale Pritchard, 81, of Thomson, IL, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, at home, leaving behind a legacy of unapologetic honesty, a fair amount of orneriness, and a heartfelt impact on more than he realized.

Roger was born on December 14, 1944, in Sterling, IL the son of Herbert and Ruby (Meyer) Pritchard. In his younger years, Roger spent a lot of time in the Polo and Savanna areas enjoying many activities including morel and deer hunting, raising raccoons, collecting t-shirts, building model planes, riding motorcycles, and taking his ruby red Corvette for a cruise. Roger joined the Iron Workers Union Local 111 in 1974 and was a proud member for 52 years. He dedicated 30 years of hard work to his trade before retiring in August of 2004, working on several projects including the Thomson Prison, the old Savanna Sabula bridge resurfacing, and additions at 3M in Cordova. Roger also assisted with many other projects in the tri-state area and in true Iron Worker fashion was no stranger to a long and hard day's work, or a cold one when the workday ended.

After retiring, Roger stayed active and was happiest outdoors. His love for gardening continued, growing plants and enjoying the fruits of his harvests. He was the type to always keep busy whether he was cutting wood or working on the yard in his skid steer or excavator. Roger also enjoyed "breaktime" and reminiscing of the good ole days, and spending time in the mancave having a drink and listening to music.

Known for being "onery but true" Roger lived life strictly on his own terms. He was never afraid to speak his mind, a trait that made him both a handful and the most authentic man in the room. While he could be stubborn as a bull, those closest to him knew that his gruff exterior hid the biggest heart. He'd give the shirt off his back and was always willing to lend a hand but would also be sure to tell you how things should be done. He was a man of immense grit and valued loyalty and keeping your word above all else. He cherished the simple pleasures and worked damn hard until his last breath.

Roger will be dearly missed by the love of his life of nearly 29 years T.J. Coyle; his daughter, Jaimie (Troy) Mulholland; his brother, Herb "Butch" (Lonnie Thomas) Pritchard; Cousins, Shirley (Dave) Pritchard-Rucker, Priscilla Olinger, and Sharon Mager; Nieces, Sandy Pritchard-Wurster, Kim (Troy) Williams, Heidi McGlown, and Sherry Perez-Pritchard. Nephews, Billy Pritchard, Joel (Dianne) Temple, and Billy (Marlaina) Morris; dear friends Brian (Robyn) Brown, Wesley (Diane) Lovett, Paul Wurster Jr., Paul Wurster Sr., Wayne Wurster, Jessie Fosdick, Mark and Deb Hanson, as well as, many great-nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear family and friends who will miss his blunt advice, his smirk, and even his stubbornness. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Herbert and Ruby; Siblings, Bill, Larry, and Carol; niece, Laurie Pickett, and dear friends, Jimmy Huffine, Orville "Gil" Bowers Jr., Charlie Sipe, and Freddie Mayhall.

As he requested, there will be no formal services; "no sentimental nonsense." He will be cremated and a celebration to honor the one-of-a-kind, true original, legendary man who will be missed but never forgotten, will be held on a later date.