Donna Marie Bratcher

   Donna Marie Bratcher, one of four children of Leland W. and Evelyn G. (Clarke) Gerdes, was born March 18, 1944, in Auburn, Nebraska.  Donna grew up and attended school in Auburn.  She was baptized at the St. John Lutheran (Stone) Church near Auburn and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn.

   On December 20, 1960, Donna was united in marriage to Larry Lee Bratcher at Sabetha, Kansas.  To this union, three children were born:  Michael, Steven, and Corrinna.  The couple made their first home in Nebraska City, they also lived in Omaha, Rogers, Arkansas, and Topeka, Kansas before moving back to Auburn in 2000.  Donna worked as a physical therapist assistant at V.A. Hospitals in both Omaha and Arkansas for 35 years.

   In 2000, when Larry and Donna moved back to Auburn, they returned so Donna could help take care of her mother.  Donna loved her family, especially her grandkids, dearly.  She also enjoyed collecting antiques.

   After Larry’s passing in 2020, Donna remained in the home until her health required her to move to Good Samaritan Society in Auburn in October of this year.  It is at Good Samaritan Society that Donna passed away on October 18, 2023, having reached the age of 79 years and 7 months.  Besides her husband, Donna was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Corrinna Munchrath, sister Linda Clark, and brother Wylie Gerdes. 

   Those left to mourn her passing include her sons and daughters-in-law Michael and Julie of Omaha, Steven and Jane of Medford, OR; son-in-law Greg Munchrath of Council Bluffs, IA; grandchildren Stephanie Bratcher, Samantha (Bob) Koehler, Daniella, Victoria, and Melanie Bratcher, Caitlynne, Sarah, and Jackson Munchrath, Rikiya and Zane Bratcher; step-grandchildren Aaron, Abe, and Adam Quarrell; great-grandchildren Chloe Koehler, Nyx Bendorf; sister Connie Feighner of Auburn; sister-in-law Kathy Gerdes of Royal Oaks, MI; brother-in-law Ronald (Sherry) Bratcher of Omaha; other relatives and friends. 

   There will be a graveside service Saturday, October 28, 2:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Jackie Gfeller in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery at Auburn.

   Memorials suggested to St. Paul Lutheran Church.