Anderson Funeral Home
Homeserving families for over 70 years
312 South Stone St.
Augusta, WI 54722
715-286-2222
Charles Bratsven
Charles I. Bratsven, “Chuck” 87, of Fairchild, passed away Wednesday evening, April 22, 2015, at his home.
Charles Isaac Bratsven, son of Isaac and Hilda (Wade) Bratsven was born January 30, 1928 in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. At the age of three, he moved with his family to the Price area of rural Fairchild, where he attended country school and was confirmed at Osseo Evangelical Lutheran Church. Before entering the service, Chuck worked on the family farm, at a quarry in Rockford, Illinois, drove semi, and also worked in a ship yard in Washington. In April of 1951, he was inducted into the U.S. Army, serving with the artillery in Korea, until his honorable discharge in 1952. Following his discharge his plan was to return to Washington, taking work along the way. While working on a ranch in Lakota, North Dakota, he met Joyce Manasterski. Eventually Joyce moved to Osseo, and on September 4, 1954, the two were united in marriage in Waukon, Iowa.
For many years during their marriage, Chuck was a long distance truck driver. He transported cattle to the eastern states for Verno Ellifson Trucking out of Strum, from Eleva he hauled chickens to Minnesota and North Dakota, and also drove for Marten Transport, Badger State Trucking and Mathy Blacktopping. Chuck also worked 4 years in the Wyoming oil fields. In addition to driving truck he also owned and operated a farm just west of Osseo and an excavating business. After retiring in 2001, he and Joyce spent 3 winters in Apache Junction, Arizona. Since 2006 they had made their home in Fairchild. Chuck worked hard all of his life, but truly enjoyed farming; from working in the fields and tending to the cattle and the other animals, to driving semi and various types of earth moving equipment. He did take time to travel and go on various hunting trips, but he especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends, sharing stories and reminiscing.
He was a member of the Osseo Evangelical Lutheran Church, and the Osseo V.F.W. and American Legion Post. Chuck will be remembered for his fun-loving personality and he will be deeply missed by Joyce, his loving wife of 61 years; 2 sons, Rodney and Chris Bratsven, Gordon and Deb Bratsven all of Lublin; 7 grandchildren, Nick, Sam, Bob, Anna, Jacob and Spencer Bratsven, Tammy (Justin) Harrington; 3 great granddaughters, Kayla, Allyson and Claudia; step great grandson, Jordan; 2 brothers, Raymond and Nancy Bratsven, Lester and Terri Bratsven all of Osseo; sister, Bernice Strauch of Augusta; several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jo Ann Rice; and great granddaughter, Jasmine.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Osseo Evangelical Lutheran Church, with Pastor Lewis Thompson officiating, with military rites conducted by Osseo area veterans. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services. Burial will be at a later date in the Osseo Cemetery.
The family is assisted by the Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta.
