Obituary: Germaine “Gerri” Bratz

Germaine “Gerri” Bratz, age 97, a resident of Brillion, died Tuesday morning, August 6, 2024 at her residence with her family by her side. 

She was born on June 11, 1927 in Hilbert, daughter of the late Arvin and Lydia (Fredrich) Broehm. Gerri was a graduate of Hilbert High School, Class of 1945. On September 29, 1948 she married Oscar W. Bratz in Potter. He preceded her in death on February 28, 2006. Gerri was employed at the bobbi pin factory in Hilbert before she started raising her daughters. She also helped Mary Vogel as a waitress and with cleaning. She was a member of Zion Church, Forest Junction. Gerri enjoyed baking and being a homemaker. She also enjoyed embroidery, bird watching, flowers, puzzle books, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the sunshine. One day a week she enjoyed being pampered with Barb Thurow and later Cindy Van Handel getting her hair done. Gerri was a woman of few words, but was known for her smile. 

Survivors include her three daughters and sons-in-law: Judith (Charles) Duchow, Karen Bratz, Barbara (Bobby) Brandenburg, all of Brillion; grandchildren: Amy (Mark) Ziegler, Brian (Nichole) Duchow, Scott (Beth) Brandenburg and Shawn (significant other Jerica) Brandenburg; great-grandchildren: Nathan, Kaitlyn, and Joshua Ziegler, Victoria, Gabriel, and Trenton Duchow, Kamilla and Elsie Brandenburg; a sister and brother-in-law: Darlene & Paul Schmacher; one brother and sister-in-law: Curly & Donna Broehm; other in-laws: Ruth Broehm, Joan Broehm, Grace Broehm, Sharon Broehm, Virginia Broehm; step in-laws: Virginia Maas; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: Oscar; siblings: Laverne (Harold) Pingel, Eugene Broehm, Jerry Broehm, Jim Broehm, Carl Broehm, Leo Broehm, Ronald Broehm, and young brothers: Rueben and Milford Broehm; a sister-in-law: Lucille (John) Wagner; a brother-in-law: Harold (Helen) Bratz; and step in-laws: John (Marilyn) Bratz, Herbert Maas, Leona (Adolph) Burich, Lydia (Clarence) Kolberg, Hildegarde (Gilford) Schultz and August (Esther) Bratz.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Zion Church, Forest Junction. Officiating at the Service will be the Rev. Justin Dietel with burial at Zion Evergreen Cemetery, Reedsville. 

The family will greet relatives and friends at Zion Church, Forest Junction, from 9:00 a.m. Saturday, August 10, 2024 until 10:45 a.m. Online condolences may be made. 

The family would like to express their gratitude to Calumet County Hospice, especially CNA Holly, who took wonderful care of our mother.

The Pielhop Wieting Funeral Homes of Brillion & Reedsville are assisting the family with funeral arrangements.