Mary Elizabeth Braatz

MARY ELIZABETH BRAATZ 1936 – 2026 Mary Elizabeth (Tyler) Braatz, age 89 of Beaver Lake, NE peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at her residence. Mary was born on August 18, 1936, in Mason City, IA, to Willard Dale Tyler and Blanche Odessa (Carothers) Tyler. She was raised by her grandparents, John and Bertha Carothers. Mary was educated in Garner, IA, where she proudly graduated from Garner High School, Class of 1954. A true lover of learning, Mary carried her curiosity and determination throughout her life. She continued her education at the University of Northern Iowa in Waterloo, IA, and later at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Her dedication to education earned her membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honorary Society, while she completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1974 and a Master’s Degree in Education in 1976. Mary devoted twenty-three years to shaping young minds as a highly respected elementary school teacher with the Omaha Public Schools, a role she cherished deeply. Mary and her husband, Louis “Lou” Frank Braatz Sr., began a 67 year journey when they were united in marriage on September 10, 1955, at the historic Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Their life together took them from Waterloo, Iowa to Bellevue, Nebraska, where they established homes filled with love, laughter, and family. Mary and Lou were blessed with three children, eight grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, each one a source of immense joy and pride. Mary loved her pets! Many cats and dogs received care and devotion from Mary over the years. She was an avid animal rights activist. Mary and Lou loved camping, snowmobiling, motorcycling, boating, and traveling, creating countless treasured memories along the way. Many special adventures were shared with dear friends Jim and Shirley Welter, filling their lives with laughter, stories, and a lifelong friendship. In 1980, with the help of family and friends, Mary and Lou built their home at Beaver Lake—an experience marked by hard work, teamwork, and love that became the backdrop for many unforgettable moments. During retirement, Mary and Lou spent many winters in Texas, where Lou enjoyed golfing and the two embraced a relaxed lifestyle in a warm climate. In 2016, they returned to Beaver Lake full-time and added the beloved “Texas room,” a welcoming space that quickly became a favorite gathering place. There, Mary delighted in visiting with family and friends, sharing conversations, and quietly watching the changing seasons. Ever dedicated to her community, Mary served as a past president of the Beaver Lake Association, and a strong leader on the property and election committees. Mary is survived by her 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; seventeen great grandchildren; one great great granddaughter; cherished cousins: Douglas Jones and Mary Stevens; long time family friends: Phyllis Seda and Betty Hoschar; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents: Willard and Blanche Tyler, her son: Louis Braatz Jr., her husband: Lou Braatz Sr. and her brother: Warren Dale Tyler. A Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 A.M., on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Plattsmouth. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 A.M., on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Plattsmouth with Pastor Jim Spanjers officiating. There will be a luncheon following the celebration. Mary will be interred with her husband and son at Rock Bluff Cemetery in Plattsmouth at a later date. The family suggests Memorials to Town and Country Animal Rescue in Papillion, NE. Services are entrusted to Roby Funeral Home, 346 Avenue A, Plattsmouth, NE 68048 (402) 296-3123 robyfuneralhome@charter.net www.robyfuneralhome.com

Mary Elizabeth Braatz

August 18, 1936 - February 4, 2026