Kathryn Braatz

Kathryn Braatz, of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, died Dec. 22, 2021, at her daughter’s home in Spokane Valley due to complications following surgery in early October. She was cared for by professional caregivers, Hospice of Spokane, and her family until her death.

Kathryn was born in 1939 in Elizabeth, Ill., near where her father served as a Lutheran pastor. After he joined the U.S. Army, the family moved frequently, so Kathryn grew up in many states, including California and Texas, and also in Okinawa and France. She graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, then taught high school business courses in Dumont, Iowa, before her marriage to Norman Braatz in 1963.  

Their first home was in Brooklyn, N.Y., where Kathryn worked at the national office of the Lutheran Church of America and taught in a Lutheran school in Queens. After daughter Kara was born, the family moved to Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., where son Timothy was born. Kathryn also raised foster children, and the family adopted daughter Tanya.  

In 1973, the Braatz family moved to Lake Havasu City, Ariz. Kathryn taught high school business courses, and the family adopted son Mark. Later, in Southern California, Kathryn worked as a market analyst in the aerospace industry, then turned to caring for her aging parents and aunt. In 2002, Kathryn and Norman retired in Bonners Ferry. Kathryn was active in the quilting group at Trinity Lutheran Church, helping make hundreds of Lutheran World Relief quilts for needy people around the world.

Kathryn is survived by her husband, Norman Braatz; and by four children, Kara Karsten of Spokane Valley, Timothy Braatz of Bonners Ferry, Tanya Lugo (Virgil) of Menifee, Calif., and son Mark of Tennessee; as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters and one brother. Four other siblings died before her.  

A memorial service for Kathryn will be held in the spring.