Keith Ray Braatz, 87, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully with his son by his side on April 16, 2025, at Aurora BayCare Medical Center, Green Bay.
Keith was born on February 27, 1938, in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, to the late Adolf A. Braatz and Amy O. Sampson (Selke).
He graduated from Goodrich High School in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, in 1956. Keith enlisted in the United States Army Reserves in 1955, and from 1956-1958 he was called to active duty to the 101st Airborne "Screaming Eagles" Division where he became a Crew Chief on an H-34 helicopter. After active duty, he continued in the Reserves until 1963.
Keith worked for Wells Manufacturing Corporation from 1958-1960. He then held various positions at Giddings & Lewis Machine Tool Company, from 1960-1973, both in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. In 1973, he moved his family to Peshtigo, Wisconsin, to work for Marinette Marine until 1988. He ended his career with Voith Paper in Appleton, Wisconsin, in 2001, officially retiring.
Keith married Catherine Candlish (Hedrick) in Fond du Lac in 1959, and had two children, Richard K. Braatz and Susan M. Humpert.
In 1976, he married Julie A. Delfosse (Hart) and gained two bonus daughters, Pamela A. Smith and Lisa M. Hansen.
Keith was a lifelong member of the Elks Club, Lodge 1313, in Marinette, Wisconsin. A dedicated family man and friend, he was always ready to lend a hand, offering his garage and skills to anyone in need. Keith took particular joy in assisting his son, Rick, and son-in-law, Todd, with their ambitious, often unconventional projects. As a proud Green Bay Packers stockholder, his passion for the team was legendary—so much so that after a heartbreaking playoff loss, he needed sextuple bypass surgery!
Keith is survived by his wife, Julie, son, Richard K. Braatz (Justine), daughters; Susan M. Humpert (Shawn), Pamela A. Smith (Barry, dec.) and Lisa M. Hansen (Todd).
Grandchildren - Casey Messer, Kelley Kramer, Taylor Kerby, Dale Smith, Dak Smith, Lars Hansen, Emily Prim.
Great Grandchildren - Alaina and Brielle Messer; Everett, Easton and Barrett Kramer; Jesse Kerby; Briggs Prim, along with many other nieces and nephews.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents, siblings; Darryl Braatz, Joyce Radke (Gilbert) and their son, David, Donna (Ray) Thiele; Son-in-law Barry Smith, and Cousins; Diane Hardtke (Robert), Judy McCaffrey and Ronald Ronnenberg.
Visitation will be held at Berth & Rosenthal Funeral Home in Peshtigo, Saturday, May 3rd from 10am to 12pm, followed by a tribute to Keith.
In honor of Keith's lifelong obsession with the Green Bay Packers, please wear your favorite Packer attire to this event.
