Louis Frank Braatz Sr.

LOUIS FRANK BRAATZ SR. 1938 – 2022 Louis “Lou” Frank Braatz Sr. age 84 of Beaver Lake, NE passed away on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at his residence. Lou was born on April 5, 1938 to Werner Robert Braatz and Elizabeth Louise (Sprong) Braatz in Whittemore, IA. He was named for his two grandfathers and he wore his name proudly. He was a lifelong Lutheran, whose faith never wavered. His father was a meat market clerk and his family moved frequently in northern Iowa. Lou was an avid sportsman and he enjoyed playing quarterback in high school. He enjoyed softball and hunting as a young adult and became addicted to golf as a middle aged and senior man. He loved watching football, right up until the end with his son-in-law and his grandsons. Go Huskers! He was an excellent salesman working for U.S. Tobacco, McCormick Schilling Spices, American Greeting, and Albert’s Fine Foods. He also was a police officer in Waterloo, IA for several years and a Cass County Reserve Deputy. Lou and Mary were married at the famous Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA and they celebrated their 67th anniversary this year. They had three children, eight grandchildren, and many great grandchildren. They enjoyed being with the family. As much as Lou loved to work, he loved having fun also. The family enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, motorcycling, boating, and vacations. Lou and Mary traveled frequently with their good friends Jim and Shirley Welter. In 1980 they built their home at Beaver Lake with assistance of family and friends. That was quite the adventure. Once they retired, Lou and Mary enjoyed many winters in Texas where Lou could golf. They returned to Beaver Lake full-time in 2016 and they added the infamous Texas room, where they enjoyed sitting, entertaining, and watching the seasons change. Lou fully participated and enjoyed life up until the end. Lou passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family, who will miss him very much. Lou is survived by his wife: Mary Braatz of Beaver Lake, NE; two daughters: Melinda Classen and her husband Bruce of Omaha, NE; Laurie Voss and her husband Jim of Plattsmouth, NE; eight grandchildren: Louis Braatz III, Lisa Voss, Crystal Braatz, Sarah (Classen) Ward, Wallace Braatz, Jennifer (Voss) Dasovic, Edwin Braatz, and Michael Classen; numerous great grandchildren; three sisters: Mary Waite of Greene, IA; Betty Christerson of Marshalltown, IA; Sharon Meggison and her husband Jim of Waterloo, IA; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by parents: Werner and Louise Braatz, son: Louis Braatz Jr., his brother: Charles Braatz, his sister: Elizabeth Klein, and three brothers-in-law: Leroy Klein, William Christerson, and Robert Waite. Visitations will be from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Friday, October 21, 2022 at Roby Funeral Home in Plattsmouth. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:30 P.M., on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Hosanna Lutheran church in Plattsmouth, NE, with Pastor Jim Spanjers officiating. (Please wear your casual attire) The celebration of life will be recorded and appear on www.robyfuneralhome.com. The burial will be a private family event. The family suggests Memorials to Under His Wings 511 Main St., Plattsmouth. Services are entrusted to Roby Funeral Home, 346 Avenue A, Plattsmouth, NE 68048 (402) 296-3123 robyfuneralhome@charter.net www.robyfuneralhome.com

Louis Frank Braatz Sr.

April 5, 1938 - October 12, 2022