William (Bill) Lawrence Bratsen, IV
William (Bill) Lawrence Bratsen, IV (74), loving father, brother and friend went to be with his heavenly Father on November 20, 2017.
Bill was born on September 5, 1943 to William and Mildred Bratsen. He lived his entire life in La Marque, Texas. He was a 1962 graduate of La Marque High School and two years later, graduated from Lamar Technical Institute with an Associate’s Degree in Industrial Mechanics.
Bill went to work for Union Carbide Corporation in 1968 as an Industrial Mechanic and 30 years later retired as the Fleet Manager. Bill was a member of Queen of Peace church.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, William and Mildred Bratsen, his grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his aunt and uncle, Richard and Eula Mae Duroux; brother, Michael Bratsen and two sisters, Eileen Boney and Jesse Mendoza and Arline Harkreader and husband Danny; his two children, Jamie Wilson and husband Trampas and Brent Bratsen and wife Somer; nine grandchildren, Tanner, Chase, Jennah, Dax, Cayden, and Macy and Ryan, Cameron and Molly.
Bill was a member of NHRA and for nearly thirty years could be found most weekends at the track. He had such a love for racing and building engines that, after retiring, he spent his days at Trumble Racing Engines in Pasadena, helping with the motors in any way he could. While he had several race cars through the years, he is most remembered for his 1969 yellow convertible Camaro.
Bill and his family were deeply touched by the outpouring of support – the calls, visits, special treats and laughs, as they sustained him throughout his lengthy hospital stay. On Bill’s behalf, we would like to thank the ICU nurses and staff at Clear Lake Regional Medical Center – there are no words to express the gratitude for the exceptional care and support they provided for 22 days.
Bills greatest passion was his family and to honor him, his grandsons and nephews will be pallbearers; Cayden Cutler, Ryan and Cameron Bratsen, Steven Byrum-Bratsen, Scott Bratsen, Cliff Harkreader, Eric Lanting, Matt Breedlove, Brian Shillingburg and Aaron Buntin.
Visitation will be from 5p – 7p on Friday, December 1, 2017 at James Crowder Funeral Home in Dickinson, Texas, with a Rosary service to follow. The funeral services and mass will be on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 10a at Queen of Peace in La Marque with Father Chacko Puthumayil officiating. Graveside service will follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Dickinson.
Memorials can be made in Bills honor to Queen of Peace Church in La Marque, Texas.
As his mother Mildred always said, “it’s not good bye, it’s bye for now!”
We are all truly broken hearted by the departure of you on Monday November 20th, but rejoice that you are now with our Heavenly Father. Your earthly body will be laid to rest on December 2nd, but your memories will live in each of us forever. You will be greatly missed by family and friends by the way you brought love to each and everyone of us. Bye for now Bubba! Your little brother Michael
Bill was a wonderful person & ajoy to be around. He always stopped by and visited my parents ( Richard & Eula Mae Duroux) while they lived in La Marque. He never complained about his condition. It was what it was.
My parents are now in NJ with me. Bill has continued to reach out to them and keep them informed. Richard, Bill’s Uncle, loved Bill so much. He appreciated that Bill took the time to stop & visit and then to call in NJ.
He will be missed so very much. He was a good man, a good nephew, a good father & a good friend. Rest in peace , Bill.
Arline,
I am saddened to see you’ve lost your “Sweet Daddy”, as you called him when we were in college together many years ago. I hope your memories of him will be of comfort to you in the days and years ahead. My prayers for you and your family.
May we remember Billy as a nice, fun loving friend. Prayers for Billy’s family.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of my cousin, Billy. I did not know that he had gotten so ill. He was truly a lovely person. I think back to the wonderful times I had with Billy at Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve at Granny Duroux’s house. These are such great memories of Billy. He was always so nice and caring to me. He will be missed by everyone who knew them.
We always have thought of Bill with a smile on his face, and cheer in his voice. God made a truly loving father and grandfather.
I have started this numerous times and had to stop; so filled with sadness. I have so many wonderful memories of Billy and he was such an important part of mine and my family’s lives. He was my brother’s best friend as teenagers and into adulthood so he spent a lot of time at our house. He was a joy to be around and I have always treasured my memories of spending time with him. I am so sorry for your loss and I know that all your happy memories will sustain you.