Robert Dennis Bratten Jr., “Bob”, 67, of West Bend, Wisconsin was welcomed into glory on March 19, 2024, with his wife and children by his side in Brooksville, Florida.
Bob was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 8th, 1956 to Mariann Bratten (Boone) and Robert Dennis Bratten Sr. He was the eldest of four children.
As a child, Bob’s fondest memories included camping in the summer with his family and enjoying the lakes in Wisconsin. He attended a Vacation Bible School (VBS) at a local church and learned of his need for a savior. As an adult, Bob grew into his faith and submitted his life to the Lord. Over the years he faithfully served his Lord through his local church. He served as a layman, usher, groundsman, and deacon. Bob pursued mechanics and graduated from the Milwaukee School of Engineering before entering the Material Handling field.
Bob was a second-generation mechanic in the material handling industry. He worked for 30 years as a Forklift Mechanic. In 2007, he was promoted to management and retired as a Field Service Manager with Crown Lift Trucks in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He was recognized for this vast knowledge of mechanics and forklifts and as a mentor to the younger generation of sales and mechanics. He truly loved his craft.
Bob was an antique car enthusiast and loved to fix up old cars. He was a volunteer firefighter with Filmore Fire Department and was awarded the “Firefighter of the Year '' in 2014. In recent years, Bob enjoyed helping his kids with their projects whether repairing a barn, working on cars, or painting bunk beds for his grandkids.
Bob married the love of his life, Lisa Marie Bratten (LeTourneau). They were married for 43 years and built a life together raising four children in the West Bend area. Ryan Bratten, Randy (Deborah) Bratten of Brooksville, Florida, Robert (Hope) Bratten of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Rebecca (Jedidiah) Rathke, of Malone, Wisconsin.
Bob and Lisa dedicated their children to the Lord, taught them the scriptures, and lived out their faith with their family. Christ is the foundation of their lives, keeping them rooted in the truth and ultimately providing the hope of eternal life for all who call upon his name in faith. This hope is available to all who call upon the name of Jesus. 1 John 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
In 2022, Bob gained a new title, “snowbird” and moved to Brooksville, Florida for the winter and remained in Wisconsin for the summers. Bob thoroughly enjoyed his retirement in the Florida sun with his friends and family. He was a champion of shuffleboard, beanbag games, and outdoor activities.
Bob lived a full life and prioritized his family. His home was regularly filled with the presence of his children and grandchildren. His hobbies were centered around family life and included boat rides for the kids, golf cart rides, lawnmower rides, and family vacations together.
Bob is preceded in death by his father Robert Dennis Bratten, Sr., his brother Scott Bratten, his son, Ryan Robert Bratten, and his grandson, Jedidiah Levi Rathke. He is survived by his mother, Mariann Bratten of Sussex, Wisconsin, his sister Sheree Kelly (Bratten) of Horicon, Wisconsin, his brother Jeff Bratten of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, his children and many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
A celebration of life for the homegoing of Bob will be on June 16, 2024, at 3:00 pm at Elderberry Manor 5113 County Road M, West Bend, Wisconsin, 53095.
