Mark A. Braatz

Mark Alan Braatz, 61, of Sparta, was called to his eternal home on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022. Mark was born Feb. 26, 1960, in Shawano to Donald and Sally (Clayton) Braatz. On Oct. 23, 1982, Mark was united in marriage to Brenda Lee VanBoekel at St. John Lutheran Church in Polar. After receiving his GED, Mark enlisted in the United States Army in 1979, actively serving for 27½ years, 11 of which were foreign served. He was a tank commander (19Z5H). He served in Saudi Arabia from Oct. 21 to Dec. 6, 1994, two tours in Iraq from Dec. 30, 1990, to May 3, 1991, and Feb. 13, 2004, to Feb. 23, 2005, and two tours in Kosovo from Nov. 17, 1999, to June 11, 2000, and Nov. 11, 2002 to July 28, 2003. He received two high awards, the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star, including many other awards and decorations. His love for his country and the time he served was his greatest life achievement. He retired as a sergeant major. After his retiring from the Army, he and Brenda returned to Wisconsin and settled in Sparta. After retirement, Mark went on to receive his Bachelor of Science in business education with a minor in management from Viterbo University. He graduated magna cum laude. He then chose to be a substitute teacher for both the Sparta and Bangor school districts. After subbing for 10 years, he decided to fully retire. Mark loved the outdoors, fishing, being on the river, camping, taking pictures of wildlife and traveling. In addition to these things, his time spent with his grandchildren, parents and family was his greatest love. Survivors in addition to his parents and wife, Brenda, include his children, Jessica (Phil) Clayton, of Edgerton, Mathew Braatz, of Sparta, and Ashley (Joe) Van Geertruy, of Sparta; 10 grandchildren: Layla Braatz, Jackson Brown, Jazzabelle Van GeerTruy, Kayden Van GeerTruy, Trevor Clayton, Collin Clayton, Ivy Clayton, Mathew Braatz Jr, Clarissa Braatz and Tobi Braatz; sister, Barb Braatz, of Michigan, brothers, Jeff (Karen) Braatz, of Antigo, and Joe (Lee) Braatz, of Shawano; sisters-in-law Becky (Terry) Buechner, of Seymour, Patti (Dave) Andraschko, of Antigo, and Sandy (Mark) Andraschko, of Antigo; brother-in-law, Scott (Sandi) VanBoekel, of Antigo; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents; Rupert and Dorothy Braatz; maternal grandparents, Clyde and Agnes Clayton; father-in-law and mother-in-law Gerald and Mary VanBoekel; and a niece, Renee Hurlbert. Family services were held at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation in Sparta and the burial at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com. Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation in Sparta assisted the family with funeral arrangements.