Joan Dolores Braatz

Joan Dolores Braatz Angel from Heaven Finds Way Home..... On Palm Sunday, April 4, 2004, Joan D. Braatz was released to heaven by her loving husband and children after a two-year battle with cancer. She was born July 20, 1938 in Shantytown, WI, daughter of the late John Morris and Helen (Inda) Essex. Joan graduated from Rosholt High School and attended the nurses training program in Marshfield, WI. On February 4, 1958, she married Gordon J. Braatz at St. Therese Catholic Church, Rothschild, WI. He survives. Joan retired from Marathon County Department of Employment and Training in 2003. She enjoyed fishing and camping in northern Wisconsin, spending time with her family and delivering communion to home bound members of St. Agnes Church. Joan was well liked by friends and co-workers and was always caring, compassionate, and ready to help or serve anyone in need. She had a special love for animals, especially her Sheltie, Tyler. Survivors include Gordon, her husband of 46 years, sons Brett (Patricia) Braatz of St. Charles, IL, Jeffrey (Lori) Braatz of Merrill, WI, and daughter, Carmell (Keith) Tobalsky of Kenosha, WI. Joan was preceded in death by one sister Mary (Rhody) Heinen and one brother, Jim Essex. She is survived by one sister, Phyllis (Norbert) Felhofer, Marshfield, and two brothers; Jack(Mary) Essex, Wausau, and Jerry (Christine) Essex, Milwaukee. Joan and Gordon have six grandchildren; Sarah Braatz, Tera, Ashley and Brianna Tobalsky, and Joshua and Jessica Braatz. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 7, 2004, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Weston. Rev. Joseph Rafacz will preside. Burial will be in Parish Cemetery. Friends may call from 10:30 a.m. Wednesday until the time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Online condolances at www.petersonkraemer.com