KELLY BRAATZ

Kelly O. Braatz, age 45, of Appleton passed away on Sunday unexpectedly with his wife by his bed side holding his hand and wiping his tears, August 27, 2017 at ThedaCare Medical Center, Neenah surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on May 9, 1972 in Clintonville, Wisconsin son of Larry J. and Judith A. (Schwartz) Braatz.  Kelly was a Menasha High School graduate class of 1990, after which he proudly served his country with the U.S. Army.  On April 2, 1997 he married his best friend Stacy L. Hoelzel in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  Their marriage was blessed with 2 daughters and a son, and the couple celebrated 20 years of marriage this spring, though they were together for 24 wonderful years. Kelly loved his wife, taking care of her, and showering her with hugs and kisses.  He was employed by Jorson and Carlson for the last 12.5 years as a grinder.  Kelly loving spending time at the lake with his family.  He dreamt of one day owning a motorhome and traveling with his wife and loving dogs.  Kelly was a great man with a warm heart, who was adored by his family and friends, and he will be greatly missed.

Kelly enjoyed Hunting, Fishing, Playing cards, Darts, Bowling, Sports, (Football and baseball), Christmas, and Fall Colors, also his biggest accomplishment was adopting a family in need for Christmas with his wife and kids.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Stacy; his daughters: Desiree (partner Logan) Hoelzel, Neenah; Kayla (partner Chris) Braatz, Appleton; a son, Kirkland Braatz, Appleton; his parents, Larry and Judith Braatz; parents-in-law: Dennis and Barbara Clow; aunts and uncles: Linda (Jerry) Kuehl; Linda Kersten; special cousin Christopher Junio; cousin Michelle Flowers; niece: Stephanie Westphal; nephew: Skylor Maynard; greatniece: Ellie Westphal; brothers-in-law: David Hoelzel, Robert Kuhr; bosses: Tim (Robin) Schoen, Woody II Powers, Woody III Powers; his beloved dogs: Bella, Nala, and Shadow.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Jennifer Kuhr; aunt: Sandy Junio; and grandparents-in-law: Rueben and Betty Hoelzel.

The Funeral Service for Kelly will be held on Friday, September 1, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at Menasha's Westgor Funeral Home.  Friends will be received at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of service.  Military Honors will be performed immediately following the service by members of the United States Army and the Neenah/Menasha Veterans Honor Guard.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Kelly's name.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of ThedaCare Medical Center – Neenah, especially Dr. Stanelle, Dr. Kumar, and Dr. Budi for all of your care and compassion.