Joshua James Pritzl, 49, Park Falls

Joshua James Pritzl, age 49, of Park Falls, WI died on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff, WI after a three-year battle with brain cancer.

Josh was born on June 17, 1976, in Park Falls, WI the only son of Jonathan and Patricia Ann (Koller) Pritzl. In 1996, he joined the U.S. Army on active duty, proudly serving his country as a Combat Engineer while stationed at Ft Carson in Colorado. He later returned home to Park Falls with his family in 2007. In 2011, he continued his service with the Wisconsin National Guard, as an Infantryman later earning his B4 for Sniper. 

On December 30, 1996, he married his high school sweetheart Sarah Ruskavage in Ashland, WI. Together they made their home in Park Falls after they were blessed with their son, Jonathan in Colorado Springs, CO.

Josh started his working career early, following in his father’s footsteps, at Pritzl Beverage. After returning to the area in 1998 Josh began work with CarQuest Auto Parts in Phillips, WI. Then in 2015 he and his family purchased Napa Auto Parts of Park Falls and later opened Silly Goose Silent Sports LLC. Towards the end of his working career, he was employed at BW Papersystems, while attending Northcentral Technical College to earn his Associates in Welding. He enjoyed connecting with people and was known for his great sense of humor and friendly nature. Outside of work, he found joy in working on and riding motorcycles, diesel trucks, long range shooting, weightlifting, and ultra running. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with family, especially his wife and son.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Sarah; his son, Jonathan; his mother, Patti (Dick Simon) Pritzl of Park Falls; his grandmother, Coreen “Lil’ Gram” Pritzl of Park Falls; his mother- and father-in-law, Riki (Bruce) Kraabel of Minocqua; his brother-in-law, Robert (Christina) Ruskavage of Wiesbaden, Germany; along with many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jonathan Pritzl; his infant sister, Jonelle Joy Pritzl; his father-in-law, Robert “Bob” Ruskavage; and his grandfather, James “Jimbo” Pritzl.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. and on Saturday August 23, from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the service at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Park Falls.

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 23, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Park Falls. Fr. Shaji Pazhukkathara will officiate, assisted by Deacon Chet Ball and Deacon Robert Schienebeck.

Military honors under the auspices of the Park Falls American Legion Post 182 will follow.

Birch Street Funeral Service is assisting the family.