Donald L. Bratten

Donald Lee Bratten (May 24, 1950 - September 24, 2020) After a long, brave battle with cancer, Don Bratten passed away peacefully in his home on September 24th, 2020 at the age of 70. Don was born May 24, 1950 in North Platte, NE, the third of four children of Minnie (Anderson) and Joseph (Joe) Bratten. Don grew up on the family ranch started by his Swedish immigrant grandfather, Charles Bratten, outside of Brady, NE. He attended Brady Public School, where he was the Valedictorian of his high school class and his three children followed suit. He went on to attend Kearney State College in Kearney, NE. He majored in biology and played linebacker for the Lopers football team. While Don was taking his last semester at Kearney State College, he met Sheryl Olson of Minden, NE, and they married. They moved to Brady, NE, in 1973 and had three children, Adam, Chad and Aimee. While living outside of Brady, he worked proudly alongside his father and helped run the 3000 acre family ranch with his wife Sheryl. Don was very proud of his Swedish heritage, and many of his relatives settled in Gothenburg and Brady. In the mid-1980’s Don transitioned into Ag Real Estate before becoming an investment advisor until retirement. Don loved sports and competition, especially football and basketball. Don was his children’s biggest fan and could always be found in the stands at their games. In addition, he coached his children’s summer sports teams, which often took them across the country. He enjoyed taking his children to Colorado for ski trips and to Lincoln for Cornhusker football games, something he eventually did for his grandchildren as well. Every Saturday he rooted for his favorite team, the Nebraska Cornhuskers or cheered on his kids playing football, basketball or volleyball at Hastings College. In the later years he could be found playing racquetball multiple times a week. No one was ever a stranger to Don. He loved talking to people and learning their stories. Don loved to laugh and joke with people and he loved cards, especially cribbage and rummy. On the ranch, one of his favorite activities was taking the family sledding in the pasture. After leaving the ranch, Don became an avid gardener, implementing Sheryl’s designs. He worked tirelessly throughout the year to maintain his landscaping. Don became a man of strong faith, and dedicated time to devotionals and reading the Bible up until his last days. Don is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Minnie Bratten, and his brother Rich Bratten. He is survived by his wife, Sheryl Bratten, his children Adam Bratten, Chad (Jodie) Bratten, and Aimee (Brian) Davis, sisters Carolyn (Joe) Straub, and Madelyn (Gary) Bishop, seven grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. With the hope of helping others, Don donated his body for medical research. The family will hold a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family in his name for later designation and can be sent to Berryman Funeral Home, PO Box 42, Cozad, NE 69130.