Louis Francis Pretti

FRIDLEY, Minn. - Louis Francis Pretti, 92, of Montreal, Wisconsin, died peacefully Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, at The Harbors Senior Living in Fridley, Minnesosta.

Louis was born July 13, 1932, in Ironwood, Michigan, the son of the late Louis A. and Helen (Koshnik) Pretti. Louis attended Roosevelt Grade School, and graduated from J.E. Murphy High School in Hurley, Wisconsin, in 1950. He then received a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Wisconsin State College in Superior in 1954 and later a master's degree in educational administration. He taught for 39 years in the Hurley School District. Many of his seventh and eighth grade math students will remember hearing "Get the wheels turning!" He was a 23 year veteran of the National Guard and Army Reserve and served on the Montreal Fire Department for 21 years.

On Aug. 13, 1955, he was united in marriage with Mary K. Moha at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Montreal by the Rev. Wenislaus Coleman; she preceded him in death in 2014.

Louis was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley and the former Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Montreal. He competed in baseball and basketball while in high school, but gained most honors as a lineman on the football team. A starter for two years, he was co-captain his senior year. He went on to be a four-year starter on offense and defense at Wisconsin State College in Superior and was named captain his senior year. In a local newspaper account, he was called "one of the best lineman on the range." He was also a Golden Gloves boxing champion while at Superior. He spent 17 years as an assistant football coach in Hurley. He also officiated basketball and baseball games for many years. He was one of the organizers of the GUMPI Youth Baseball League and served as Recreation Director for the City of Montreal. For many years he enjoyed bowling at the Legion Lanes in Hurley in the Tuesday Nite Men's League with drinks at Paul's Bar in Gile afterwards. He is in the Hurley High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a diehard Vikings fan. He also enjoyed "donating" to various casinos by playing slots.

Louis is survived by his daughter, Kay Pretti, Coon Rapids; four sons, Jerry (Mary Beth) of Reno, Nevada, Gene (Alison) of Incline Village, Nevada, Jan (Jon) of Redwood City, California, and Paul (Kelly) of Waukesha, Wisconsin; daughter-in-law, Trish Pretti of Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin; six grandchildren, Courtney, Serena, Amanda, Winston, Hunter and Aidan; brothers, Robert Pretti of Hopkins, and Donald Pretti of Portsmouth, Virginia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary K .; son, Glen; daughter, Barbara Ann, in infancy; and two brothers, David and Eugene Pretti.

Out of respect for his wishes, cremation has taken place. Burial will be celebrated at a later date with a private service at St. Mary's Cemetery in Hurley with Fr. Raj Sunkura officiating with military honors provided by the Hurley VFW Post 1580 and the American Legion Post 58.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hurley VFW Post 1580, the American Legion Post 58 or the Hurley Education Foundation.

The family has chosen the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home in Ironwood to honor Louis' legacy of life. To make an online condolence or for more information visit McKevittPatrickFuneralHome.com.