July 17, 1961 – Monday, July 26, 2010
Service Information
The Evangelical Lutheran Church, Cokato,
Friday, July 30, 2010
12:00 Noon
Visitation Information
Mark Roger Braatz, age 49 of Buffalo died Monday, July 26, 2010 from injuries he received in an automobile accident.
He was born on July 17, 1961 the son of Roger & Victoria Christensen Braatz.
Mark graduated from Dassel-Cokato High School in 1980.
On September 29, 1994, Mark Braatz and Joleen Clifton were joined in holy marriage in Las Vegas.
Mark was employed as a Finance Manager for an Auto Dealership. He worked nineteen years at Morrie’s and the last two years at West Suburban Auto.
He enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, being at the cabin and was a classic car enthusiast. Mark also was fond of spending time with family and friends.
Survived by loving wife: Joleen Braatz (nee Clifton); children: Daniel Braatz of Cokato, Adam (Beth Maas) Braatz of Buffalo and Hope Braatz of Drayton, North Dakota; three step sons: Josh Friesen of Champlin, Charlie Druar & Casey Druar both of Buffalo; mom: Victoria Mealey of Cokato; dad: Roger (Joanne) Braatz of Buffalo; brother: Dave Braatz of Dassel; sisters: Andrea Braatz of Plymouth and Beth (Chris) Chapman of Rogers; three nephews: Jaibyne Braatz, Noah & Luke Chapman; three nieces: Courtnie, Jasamyne and Samaya; half siblings: Dustin Erickson and Brianna Braatz both of Cokato and Chantel Braatz of Dassel; grandmother: Jeanette Braatz of Litchfield; parents in law: Harold “Hal” & Bev Clifton of Buffalo; brothers-in-law: Harold “Hal” Clifton Jr. and Ben (Toni) Clifton all of Buffalo; aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.
Preceded in death by maternal grandparents: Minnie & Viggo Christensen and paternal grandfather: Andrew Braatz.
Funeral services for Mark Braatz will be held on Friday, July 30th at 12 Noon at The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cokato. Pastor Steve Thorson will officiate.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 29th from 4-8 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. A Prayer service will be held at 7:00 P.M.
Further visitation Friday, July 30th one hour prior to services at the church.
Jo:
Your whole family is in our thoughts and prayers.
With our deepest sympathy,
Russ and Terry Peterson and Family
Jo & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
My heart goes out to you guys. Mark meant alot to me. He is someone I could confide in. I missed seeing him recently, except for the occasions out & about. His infectious smile always made you feel warm. He will be greatly missed.
Andrea,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jolene-
I just heard about Mark today on KLFD, Litchfield station. I was totally shocked and knew nothing about it. I am so sorry and my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Jean Larson
Asst. Mgr.
American Legion Litchfield, MN
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Mark assisted us in the purchase of several vehicles over the years and was a wonderful person. He will be deeply missed.
Andrea – I am deeply sorry for the loss of your brother. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this very difficult time.
Julie
Jo and family my condolences go out to you and your family. Mark was a great man and went to the Lord too soon. I will not be able to attend the services due to earlier plans already made. Jo, I’m so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you…God bless your family for the hard times to come. He is now in a peaceful place and will look after you and your family. I am so sorry….
Jo & Family
So sorry to hear of the sudden passing of your loved one…May God comfort you through this difficult journey.
Karen Elsenpeter
Jo, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you & your family at this difficult time.
Sorry to hear about your loss. He was certainly a familiar face around Buffalo. Make God comfort you at this time. He will be missed.
Jo and Family,
We were so very saddened to hear of Mark’s sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this very difficult time.
Kirsti & Kelly Hein
Jo,
You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Try to remember that God doesn’t give us anything we can’t handle with strength through him. Mark was a wonderful person and I am truly fortunate to have known him. I will miss his smiles and jokes (even though I was mean to him) really not. Keep your head up and someday you will meet again.
We are so sorry for you loss. I know you will miss your husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, son, and fiend. What a tragic end to a wonderful man’s life. I purchased many cars at Morrie’s Ford in Buffalo. Mark was always a true professional. He and Brett took the kids to our cabin snowmobiling. He will be sadly missed.
Mark, you will be missed dearly! Your HUGE smile and laughs will be with me always. I am honored and privleged to have known you as long as I did. Rest in Peace, Mark.
Jo, Mike and I want you to know that we are thinking of you and your whole family right now. May there be comfort and peace with you always. Our GOD is taking very good care of him. Our deepest sympathy is with you and the family. GOD BLESS you all.
Andrea,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Love you,
Shae
Sorry for your loss. Mark was a good man and will be missed by many.
Jo,
This is Punky Deana’s little sister. I’m so sorry to hear about Mark. He was such a wonderful person. I bought two cars from him at Morrie’s and he was always so nice to me. May GOD comfort you and your family during this most difficult time. GOD BLESS.
Dear Jo and Family,
Our sincere sympathy to you and your family at this sad time in your lives. May you find comfort in this time of sorrow through family, faith and friendships.
Hope/Braatz family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss, I could not imagine what you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time. Just remember keep your head up high & you will get through this. God took a good man. I am here if you need ANYTHING, don’t hesitate to call! I love you! I am keeping your family in my prayers.
I love you.
Andrea,
I am so sorry. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Tom and Barb
Jo and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May you find peace in the wonderful memories you have of Mark. He was a great person and will be missed by many!
Jerry, Lisa, Jake & Tommy Middagh
Please accept our condolences. Mark will be greatly missed.
Jo and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God quide you with his loving grace at this hard time. We knew Mark from Morrie’s. He always had a beautiful smile and was always so kind. I remember him when he sold me my Mustang. I was so excited and he was as excited for me. Our smiles reached ear to ear. Blessed be his memory.
Sincerly, Dave & Debbie Larsen
(I am Tennille’s mom)
I had the pleasure of knowing Mark for many years and had worked directly with him for five of those years. He always could put a smile on your face (he had one most of the time, himself!). I remember all the talks, times and laughs. He will be missed more than most can put into words. Our hearts and prayers go out to Mark’s family….May God Bless you all.
Andrea – I’m saddened to hear of the loss of your brother, Mark. My deepest sympathy and prayers are being sent to you and your family. God Bless.
Andrea and Family of Mark,
My sympathy and thoughts are with you.
Susan
To Mark’s Family:
I am sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Nicole Herold
Our deepest sympathy goes out to your family. We only knew Mark thru the dealership, but he was always a pleasure to be around.
Bob & Jan McLean & Family
Jo, we are praying that God will give you the strength to get through this very difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.
Hope;
I don’t know if you remember me or not, I’m Jamie Pester’s Mom. You & Jamie ran together for the Fairest of the Fair. I’m so sorry for the loss of your father. Know that I’m thinking about you and your family during this difficult time.
Jo and family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Mark’s passing. I really thought highly of Mark and he was very kind to me. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bruce
Jo:
Paul and I are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Paul & Katherine Decker
We also have bought alot of vehicles from Morrie’s and always loved working with Mark. He was always so up-beat and we could tell he loved life, his job and I’ve seen his family pictures on his desk and thought to myself, “That’s also one of the reasons he’s so happy.” A perfect people person. May God lift you up and give you peace.
I’m good friends with Elijah. Every time I was at West Suburban, Mark was always making it great place to be. He was a very hard working and dedicated man. Always making people smile. A truly great person. Mark and his family are in my prayers. ~God Bless~
I just found out. Hang in there.
Andrea,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers.