Debra "Debbie" Jo Bratten

Debra "Debbie" Jo Bratten, 65 years of age of Milford, Nebraska passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024, at the Sunrise Country Manor, Milford, Nebraska. Debbie was born December 10, 1958, in Gothenburg, Nebraska to Winfred and Beverly Bratten. Debbie was the oldest of four farmer’s daughters. Her life was not easy as she bravely battled physical and emotional disabilities. She attended Wild Horse Valley District 109 school from kindergarten through eighth grade, then Brady Public High School and graduated in 1978. After graduation she attended classes at Mid-Plains Community College and studied early childhood education. 

Debbie loved the Lord. She was led to Christ by her father at age 11. Her faith in Jesus became the bedrock of her life. She was active in the Svea Dal Church and was confirmed following her eighth-grade year. In her elementary and teen years, she was involved in 4-H, Junior Choir, and attended Maranatha Bible Camp. She enjoyed running, cooking, and listening to music. She also did her share of the chores on the farm. With her mom’s sacrificial love, Debbie was able to work at King’s Restaurant in North Platte, volunteer at MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers) in Gothenburg, and served with the Svea Dal Ladies Aide. Debbie and her sisters had a special bond and they always made time to spend with each other. She was also a proud aunt and deeply loved her nephews and nieces. 

For the past 15 years Debbie has been a shining light to the staff and residents at Sunrise Country Manor. She had a deep love for all people, and if she didn’t know you, she was quick to ask you your name, and then remembered it! During those years she was an amazing prayer warrior and lifted up her family and those around her continually.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Winfred and Beverly Bratten, and many close aunts and uncles: Eleanor and Willard Johnson, Norrene and Wilbert Anderson, Dale and Donna Bratten, Judy Schmidt and Dale Linke. 

She is survived by her sister Diane (Marlan) Hohnstein of Lincoln; sister Jodi (Mark) Nelson of Bertrand; sister Kristi (Joe) Burford of Brady; nephew Ryan (Sara) Hohnstein and their children William, Camden, and Grayson of Lincoln; nephew Evan (Taylor) Hohnstein and their children Bennett, Samuel, and Ember of Bennet; niece Amanda (Cass) Hohnstein of Lincoln; nephew Jake (Joslyn) Nelson and their children Hakon, Rorik, Malia, and Merik of Bertrand; nephew Tanner (Shelby) Nelson of Bertrand; niece Karli (Carter) Johnson and their children Brodie and Lila of Lincoln; aunt Linda Linke of Cozad; uncle Tom (Judy) Maline of Holbrook; uncle Don Schmidt of Gretna; aunt Trudy Bratten of Hernando, Mississippi and many beloved cousins and a multitude of friends.

Visitation will be held on, Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 1:00 to 7:00 pm with the family greeting 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Blasé-Strauser Memorial Chapel, in Gothenburg, Nebraska. 

A celebration of life service for Debra "Debbie" Bratten will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024, 11:00 am, at the Svea Dal Covenant Church, Brady, Nebraska. Pastor Dave Logsdon and Robert Litzenberger will be officiating. 

Burial will be held at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska at 2:00 pm.

A memorial has been established in Debbie's honor and may be given to KJLT or Svea Dal Evangelical Covenant 1676 Svea Dal Road, Brady, NE 69123.