Esme Pratt

Esme Pratt, 72, of Big Stone City, SD, and formerly of Houston, MN, passed away on April 14, 2025.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May28, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Big Stone City, SD. Father Brian Eckrich will celebrate the Mass. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass at St. Charles Catholic Church. Burial will be at St. Charles Catholic Cemetery, Big Stone City.

Esme Janine Pratt was born on March 27, 1953, in Clinton, IA. She began her education in local elementary schools before attending and graduating from a Catholic boarding school in 1971. Following high school, Esme spent a couple years traveling before enrolling at Winona State University in MN, where she earned her degree in nursing.

Esme dedicated 25 years of her career as a critical care nurse at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, WI. It was there that she met the love of her life, Dr. Alan Pratt. The two were married on December 30, 1995, in Wisconsin. Both continued their careers at Gundersen, and after 25 years of service, Esme retired in 2015. Alan remained in practice for a few more years before joining her in retirement.

Together, Esme and Alan shared a love for the outdoors, enjoying hunting and fishing trips—Esme had a particular fondness for perch fishing. They spent a few years traveling to Big Stone City, SD, where Esme fell in love with the community, the landscape, and of course, the fishing. In 2021, the couple made Big Stone City their home.

A passionate animal lover, especially of dogs, Esme often supported Humane Societies through donations. Known for her warm spirit and vibrant personality, she had a gift for making friends and could light up any room. More than anything, Esme cherished time spent with her husband, their son, and their grandchildren. Esme was a determined, resilient woman who faced life’s challenges with a smile.

She will be forever loved and deeply missed by her beloved husband, Alan Pratt of Big Stone City, SD; son, Tristan (Mizou) Pratt of Houston, MN; and two grandchildren: Alice and Easten Pratt. She is preceded in death by her parents; and one brother.