Robert Wayne Bratz

Devoted to Christ, Robert (Bob) Wayne Bratz Sr., 80, was welcomed home by the Lord on April 27, 2026. With his family by his side, Bob passed away peacefully from complications of diabetes at Mission Creek Senior Living in Waukesha.

A lifelong resident of Oconomowoc, Bob was born on September 13, 1945 to Paul and Ella Bratz and was the youngest of six. He attended Oconomowoc area schools graduating in 1963. Following high school, Bob proudly served his country in the United States National Guard and was later honorably discharged. After his service he never missed an opportunity to thank his fellow brothers and sisters in arms.

Bob married Barbara Wuerl and the two went on to welcome four sons Robert Jr., Bryan, Michael and Randall. While the marriage would later end in separation, Bob and Barb remained friends and often spent holidays and events together as a family, being sure to put their sons and grandchildren first.

After his service in the National Guard, Bob worked as the Parks and Forestry Director for the City of Oconomowoc for over 30 years. He was exceptionally proud to work for his hometown and took pride in the city's beauty. In retirement he remained active within the community, later working for Brennan’s Market.

In his spare time, Bob treasured deer hunting in Bayfield County with his sons and grandsons which has been a tradition that has spanned for more than 50 years. Throughout the years he cherished his time in his vegetable garden and was a faithful blood donor. Weekly, you could find Bob greeting and ushering parishioners of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for Holy Eucharist. Bob had a welcoming spirit with a warm smile and a genuine laugh who never shied away from a good cookout or enjoying just a few PBR’s.

Bob’s grandchildren held a special place in his heart, whether it was watching a sporting event of theirs or picking them up from school, he was proud to watch them grow into remarkable adults that he would soon call “dear friends.” With Bob’s influence of embracing love, life and faith fully they will be guided into a life that he would be most proud of.

Bob is survived by his sons, Rob (Nicky), Bryan (Holly), Mike (Jen) and Randy (Kelly) along with grandchildren, Ally, Joey, Dylan, Ryley, Nathan, Abby, Sara, Kyle and Anna.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ella Bratz and his five siblings, Paul, Mary, Gloria, John, Ed, and their spouses. Before his passing Bob took great solace in being reunited with his eternal family and live in perfect existence as one.

A visitation to honor the remarkable life and memory of Bob will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 9am-11am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc with a service to follow. A private burial with military honors will be held at Glenview Cemetery in Ixonia following the service.

Those who knew Bob will remember his love of family, his jovial sense of humor and a soul that was as warm as the sunrise on a beautiful July day. His faith and dedication to the Lord and Savior was the cornerstone to how he lived and loved.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Mission Creek Senior Living in Waukesha for their exceptional care and Brighton Hospice for their compassionate care of Bob in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in Bob’s honor be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc.

Dad, your wisdom, deep compassion and devoted love is the most wonderful gift you have given us. Thank you for loving us unconditionally, giving your family and friends memories that will live on in our hearts and a love that is never ending. May peace be with you on this path to eternal light.

To the hunt!