Richard Wallace “Dick” Bratt, Sr., 78, of Oak Harbor, passed away peacefully on Jan. 26,2010, at his home.
Mr. Bratt was born in Hastings, Neb., on June 26, 1931, to Orin John Bratt and Margaret June (Barthelman) Bratt. At the age of 11 he moved with his family to Lincoln, Neb. Dick was married on June 25, 1950, to Wanda Marie Lewis in Lincoln. He was employed by the Burlington Northern Railroad for a short time, after which he began a career in sales with the Pittsburgh Paint and Glass Company. He was involved with PPG as a traveling salesman, rounding off his 35-year career as territorial manager. Following his retirement, Dick was a school bus driver and a courtesy driver for the Williamson Olds-Honda dealership in Lincoln.
Dick and Wanda began visiting Oak Harbor in 1984, continuing the journey to Whidbey Island every summer until moving here in 2003. Dick enjoyed assisting at the family-owned Blue Fox Drive-In, and his passion for driving translated even to maneuvering the go-carts at the track next door to the theater. Dick loved to walk the parking lot at the theater and keep things tidy and in order. His other interests included feeding the gulls at Windjammer Park and collecting rare coins. He loved to read his Bible.
Dick was a member of the Sesostris Shrine in Lincoln, Neb., and he participated in various circuses and parades sponsored by the Shrine. He was a member of Lakeview United Methodist Church in Lincoln, and attended Family Bible Church in Oak Harbor.
Dick is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Wanda Marie Bratt, of the family home; nine children, Richard Wallace Bratt, Jr., of Lincoln, Neb., Linda Nelson (Lyndon) of Lincoln, Marlene Pfeiffer (Richard) of Harleysville, Penn., Steve Bratt (Sheila) of Maryville, Mo., Susan Christie (John) of Allentown, Penn., Darrell Bratt (Lori) of Oak Harbor, Gloria Bratt of Lincoln, Jackey Bratt of Columbia, MD and Charnique Bratt of Lincoln; son-in-law Monte Wilson of Martell, Neb.; 23 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one sister, Shirley Falk of St. Joseph, Mo.; also, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Shari Wilson in 2008; a granddaughter, Jessica Wilson in 1983; and by two brothers, Robert and Jim Bratt.
A Memorial Service was held at Family Bible Church, 2760 N. Heller Rd., Jan. 30 with Pastor Ron Lawler officiating. A Funeral Service will also take place at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, with interment following at Lincoln Memorial Park. Memorials are suggested to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Puget Sound Affiliate, 112 – 5th Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109. Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest register at www.whidbeymemorial.com. Arrangements are with the assistance of Whidbey Memorial Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc., 746 NE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor.
