Catherine Braatz

Catherine K. Braatz, 99, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at the PioneerCare Center in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. She was born May 25, 1912, in Lidgerwood, North Dakota, the daughter of Frank H. and Anna (Houdek) Kotchian. She grew up in Lidgerwood where she graduated from St. Boniface Parochial Grade School, and Lidgerwood High School with the class of 1929. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Lidgerwood. Shortly after graduation from high school she accepted a position at the newly opened J. C. Penney Store in Lidgerwood as office cashier, a position she held until the store closing in 1955. She was then transferred to their office in Wahpeton, North Dakota and later Fergus Falls. She was married to the late Henry S. Sowka on June 24, 1935, and on September 5, 1955, she was married to Robert I. Braatz. They lived for a while in Wahpeton before moving to Fergus Falls in late 1956. She continued working at J.C. Penney and then accepted an office position at Arneson, Larson, and Milton, where she worked for 22 years until her retirement in 1982. Interested and active in music she was assistant organist at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls for a number of years. She also enjoyed traveling, gardening, cooking, and sewing. Catherine was an active member of Our Lady of Victory Church, the Women’s Catholic Order of Foresters, Saint Rose Circle, Saint Roberts Circle, and the Senior Citizens. She was preceded in death by her parents, an only son, Robert H. Sowka, and an only brother, William Kotchian. Her husband, Robert Braatz died November 15, 1991. She leaves a daughter-in-law, Maxine Sowka; five grandchildren: Connie Sowka, Anne, Teri, and Dawn Sowka, and Bruce Sowka; numerous great-grandchildren; two nephews: William Kotchian, and David Kotchian; and three great-grandnephews. She also leaves two stepchildren, Geraldine (Mike) Paczkowski, and James (Rose) Braatz. Visitation:  One hour prior to the service at the church. Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 18, 2012, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls Clergy: Father Greg Paffel Interment: Will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at Calvary Cemetery, in Lidgerwood, ND Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.