Obituary of Gordon J. Braatz

Gordon J. Braatz, 78, of Oxford, passed away Thursday, June 8, 2017 at Lantern Park Care Center in Coralville.

Celebrating Gordon’s life, a Memorial Mass will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, June 17th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oxford, where visitation will be prior from 11-1.  Memorials in Gordon’s name may be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Oxford First Responders or the Oxford American Legion.  His cremated remains will be buried in Wisconsin, with a mass at a later time. 

Gordon Jerome Braatz was born September 22, 1938 in Wausau, Wisconsin; the son of Chester Hazen and Eunice Braatz.  After high school he served four years in the U.S. Air Force.  On February 4, 1958, Gordon married Joan D. Essex and together they had three children and shared 46 years together, until Joan’s death.  On September 24, 2005, Gordon married Joan C. Rourke in Oxford, Iowa.

In his working life, Gordon spent his years in management and sales with various companies throughout his career.  He was a loyal Green Bay Packers fan, and an avid outdoorsman who had a pole for every fish, enjoying many summers in the North Woods of Wisconsin, fishing daily with treasured family and friends.

Moving to Iowa brought new adventures with many travels throughout the country and spending the winters in Texas.

His family includes his wife, Joan; children, Carmell Tobalsky (Keith) of Kenosha, WI, Jeff Braatz (Lori) of Merrill, WI and Brett Braatz (Patti) of Bend, OR; Joan’s children, Gatana Stoner (Michael) of Fairfax, IA, and Terry Rourke (Stephanie) of North Liberty, IA; grandchildren, Josh Braatz, Jessie Geurink (Jeff), Tera Tenuta (John), Ashley Chrisinger (Dave), Brianna Hardy (Troy), Sara Severe (Russ), Sonya Moses (Korie), Brannan Stoner (Kristi) and Mariah, Nile and Chase Rourke as well as 17 great-grandchildren; sisters, Shelly Miklig of Wisconsin and Pat Rehenfedt (Ray) of Nevada; brother-in-law, Herb Jobs of Wisconsin and sister-in-law, Lois Hermans.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Joan D. and siblings, Gary Hermans and Sharon Jobs.

Gordon always had a smile for everyone he met, friend or stranger.  He was a quiet, gentle man with a strong belief in his God, he loved his country and enjoyed telling great fishing stories.  He was well respected by all who came to know him.