Gordon "Gordy" Allen Braatz, 72, passed away at Sacred Heart Hospital, surrounded by his family on Friday, October 14, 2016. Gordy was born on August 24, 1944, to Irwin and Meta (Schlinsog) Braatz in Neillsville, WI. They later moved to Rice Lake, WI, where Gordy attended school until the family's move to Eau Claire. In Eau Claire, Gordy graduated from Eau Claire Memorial High School and later met his true love, Susan Marie Brown. They married on May 1, 1965, and together they had three children. Gordy worked at Uniroyal for many years until he and Susan bought Chicken Unlimited in Eau Claire and together they built their family business for 12 years until retirement. It was his goal to retire at 55 and it gave them many great years for loving life together. He loved and never missed any activities that his children were involved in and that continued on with his grandchildren. They all took their turn being teased, loved, and admired by Papa. Gordy loved his cabin, land and all of the outdoors that came with it. He loved to share it with his family and spent many hours pulling kids skiing, fishing or hunting his land. Gordy was an avid and accomplished trap-shooter his entire adult life and his early retirement afforded him many hours enjoying his trap club. Gordy is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Susan Marie; his daughter, Lisa (DeLloyd) Miller and their children, Doug and Rebecca; his son, Daniel (Margarita) Braatz and their son, Sandvick; and his son, Michael (Heidi) Braatz and their daughters, Grace, Emma and Marcella. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Irene Brown; sister-in-law, Diane Braatz; sisters and brothers-in-law, Sally and Gil Liddell and Charles and Jan Brown; as well as many beloved nephews, nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William Braatz; and father-in-law, Clifford Brown. Memorial Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 22, 2016, at Saving Grace Lutheran Church, 2124 Eastridge Center St, Eau Claire, with Pastor David Irgens officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., on Friday, October 21, at the WEST CHAPEL location of Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 1405 N. Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, and again one hour prior to services at the church. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Saving Grace Lutheran Church, Eau Claire Rod & Gun Club, 801 Schoettl Ave, Eau Claire, WI, or a charity dear to you. For online condolences, please visit www.lenmarkfh.com

Service Information

Visitation

Friday, October 21 2016 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel 1405 North Clairemont Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Memorial Service

Saturday, October 22 2016 11:00 AM

Saving Grace Lutheran Church 2124 EastRidge Center Eau Claire WI 54701