Obituary
Wayne H. Bratberg
Wayne Harris Bratberg, age ninety, died peacefully on August 11, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 6, 1926 at the home farm in Holmen on Long Coulee to Wilda (Skogen) and Ansel Bratberg.
Wayne completed his elementary education at Long Coulee school and graduated from Holmen High School. He served in the 349th Infantry 88th Division in Italy. Upon his return, Wayne enrolled at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. There he met the love of his life, Garnet Marie Backus. He graduated in June of 1951 and in December, Wayne and Garnet married.
Wayne worked for Allis Chalmers selling farm machinery in Iowa and Minnesota before returning to the farm in 1963. He farmed until 1989.
Wayne served his community as a member of the Holmen School Board for 12 years. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of Park Bank, serving as president from 1987 until 2003.
Wayne always enjoyed Big Band music. He and Garnet loved to dance.
In retirement, Wayne and Garnet loved to travel. He boasted that he had been in every state west of the Mississippi. They enjoyed bicycle trips with friends and Wayne spent Wednesday afternoons golfing with the guys at Drugan’s.
Wayne’s biggest joy was spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren. He and Garnet attended many of their activities. He delighted in the UW graduations of Kaytlyn and Lyndsey and Kaytlyn’s wedding. The trio, Kayli, Boden and Avali, kept him young and busily engaged in life.
He truly enjoyed his winters in Florida with Garnet and her siblings, Doug and Diana, Bob and Pat, and Claudia. Wayne loved to be warm and soak up the sun.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, sister Viola Bolton, brother Burton. Last year’s loss of his youngest son Alan was devastating.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 64 years, Garnet, their sons Jay (Debra), David (Diane), Jill and grandchildren Kaytlyn (Brandon) Beilke, Lyndsey, Kayli, Boden and Avali. His sisters Lois Dawes, Irma Daniels, Pauline Van Dunk and Elvah (Robert) Ristinen, Garnet’s siblings Doug (Diana) Backus, Claudia Blum, Pat Backus. Many loving nieces and nephews also survive him.
Visitation will be at Drugan’s Castle Mound Golf Course and Supper Club on August 26th at 10:00 a.m. At 11:00 there will be a Celebration of Life including Military honors. A light lunch will follow.
The family would like to thank the wonderful caring staff of the palliative care unit at Gundersen Health System for allowing our last days with Wayne to be such a blessing.
It was Wayne’s wish that any memorials should be given to Gundersen Health System Children’s Miracle Network.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I am so honored that I knew Wayne and the whole Bratberg family. What a wonderful example of a loving Husband, Father and Grandfather he was. I hope all the happy memories you all have help you get through this very difficult time. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We love you all!! Terri