Jon Bratberg

Jon C. Bratberg, age 71, of Atwater, died Monday morning, January 26, at Bethesda Heritage Center Nursing Home in Willmar following a battle with a glioblastoma brain tumor.

Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 29, at Hope Presbyterian Church in Spicer. Interment will be in the Spicer City Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Hope Presbyterian Church in Spicer and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Military Honors will be provided by the Henderson-Lewis American Legion Post of Spicer. Arrangements are with the Green Lake Funeral Home in Spicer. At the time of his death his body was donated to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program to help in education and research. Memorials are preferred to Hope Presbyterian Church and Rice Hospice.

Jon Calvin Bratberg was born on July 6, 1937, to Carl and Florence (Henderson) Bratberg in Willmar, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed in the Presbyterian church in Spicer. He grew up in Spicer, where he attended elementary school. He then attended Willmar High School, where he graduated in 1955. Jon enlisted in the U.S. Army on March 23, 1956, with a portion of his tour stationed in Germany. He received an honorable discharge on March 18, 1959. He kindled many friendships and memories from these experiences. Jon was employed with Van De Riet Construction, Duininck Construction, and Saulsbury Antiques prior to getting married.

On March 24, 1962, he was united in marriage to Darlene (Kragenbring) Bratberg at St. John Lutheran Church in Atwater. Following their marriage they made their home on Darlene's childhood farm in Harrison Township. Jon and his wife, Darlene, were dairy and crop farmers. In March 1998, he retired from dairy farming.

In 1969, Jon was presented the Outstanding Young Farmer Award. Throughout his years, Jon served on the Atwater School Board, Harrison Township Board, Spicer City Cemetery Board, Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center Board and as a church elder. Jon was faithful and committed to these boards throughout his time of service.

Jon was happiest when working in his shop building and repairing many wood and metal projects. He was proud of his diamond willow canes that he made. Jon enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling with Darlene, visiting with people of all ages, going to town for coffee, and driving out to the wildlife area. Jon also loved his dogs, cats, lutefisk, Schwan's ice cream, antiques, burning wood, his Norwegian heritage and his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was man of few words, but when he spoke he shared wisdom and everyone listened.

In September of 2002, Jon was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor. He fought a tough and courageous battle without ever complaining. He lost this battle on January 26, 2009.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Darlene; two children, Lori (and Owen) Anderson of Franklin and Peter (and Brenda) Bratberg of Spicer; five grandchildren, Taylor & Carly Anderson, and Michelle, Allison & Lauren Bratberg, besides other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl & Florence Bratberg.