Phyllis Marie Braatz, 83, Merrill, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at Ministry St. Clare’s Hospital in Weston.
She was born August 22, 1928, in Merrill, to the late David J. & Margaret A. (Pommorin) Brown. On November 2, 1948 she married August Harold Braatz in Bessemer, MI. He preceded her in death August 15, 1997.
Phyllis was a home maker and dedicated seamstress and also did needlework her whole life. She knitted 64 pairs of mittens for the mitten tree just this past fall. Phyllis spent many years working in various grocery stores and super markets. Most recently she did cake decorating for Dave’s County Market in Merrill. In the 1980’s, she and her husband owned and operated Phyl and Augie’s Liquor store in Tomahawk. Phyllis was a volunteer for meals on wheels especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. She loved to dance with her companion, John, read, garden-especially flower gardening and often joked that she had 2 green thumbs! Phyllis also loved to bake cookies for her family during the holidays.
Survivors include her special companion: John Dreager, Merrill; three children: Marj Krause, Michelle (Bruce) Schwartzman, all of Merrill, and Richard (Lisa) Braatz, Naperville, IL; one sister: Patricia Bushar, Merrill; two brothers: David Brown, Merrill, and Peter Brown, Gleason; brother-in-law: Roger Paul, Merrill; and seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, August, son, Mike, daughter, Melissa and sister, Sally Paul.
Services will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Waid Funeral Home. Friends may call from 9 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Snow Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be given to TB Scott Library or the charity of your choice. Waid funeral home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.