Alvin W. Braatz, Waupaca, age 90, passed away on Sunday, August 13, 2006, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 22, 1916, in Bell Plaine, Shawano Co., son of William and Lillian (Schultz) Braatz. On October 3, 1942, Alvin married Lorraine Moser in Milwaukee. Al's occupations throughout his life included cheesemaker, consignee of Cities Service/Citgo Franchise for 30 years, maintenance worker at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King, bus driver for Bethany Home until the age of 80, and also a detailer for Wendt Motors in Waupaca. During their lifetime, Al and Lorraine traveled widely to such places as Alaska, Texas, Germany, Switzerland, England, Italy, and Hawaii. Al was an avid hunter, bowler, curler, and golfer. He was a devoted Packer and Brewer fan right down to his last days. He was a past member of the Waupaca Country Club and Waupaca Curling Club where he received a Certificate of Appreciation for his many years of participation and support. He was a current member of Glacier Wood Golf Club. Al was a lifelong coach and supporter of his family's endeavors, including football, golf, basketball, cheerleading and others. The challenge of fixing things was an enjoyment to Al. He believed that everything had two lives: what it was intended to do and what he could redesign it to do. Seeing these things work again and seeing the grateful smiles of friends and neighbors made him very happy. Alvin was a member and had served as church elder of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waupaca. Alvin is survived by his wife, Lorraine Braatz of Waupaca, WI; daughter, Mary Lou (Dennis) Bonikowske of Stevens Point, WI; their children, Scott (Carrie) Bonikowske and Megan of Stevens Point, WI; Melissa (Chad) Thomley and Anna and Allison of Middleton, WI; Jenessa Bonikowske of Stevens Point, WI; son, William (Mary Jo) Braatz of Sheboygan, WI; their children: Steven Braatz of Palm Beach, FL; Peter (fiancee, Elizabeth Kennedy) Braatz of Whitefish Bay, WI; sister, Elda LeBeau of Shawano, WI; brother, Leonard (Viola) Braatz of Cecil, WI. Also survived by nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Edna Buelow. A Memorial Service will be on Friday, August 18, 2006, at 11 a.m. at the Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waupaca. Reverend Jeffrey Holtan will officiate. A visitation will be held from 9:30-11 a.m. at the church on Friday. Burial of cremains will be at Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in the name of Alvin W. Braatz. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements. A special thank-you to all of our family and friends for their prayers and thoughts with our family throughout the past months. Also, we would like to thank Dr. Bauer of Riverside Medical Center and ThedaCare At Home Hospice for all of their help and support. The special care Al received will never be forgotten.