Donna A. Braatz

Donna A. Braatz, 74, of Waterloo, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, May 26, 2024, under the care of the Cedar Valley Hospice Home. She was born on December 8, 1949, in Waterloo, to Richard G. and Gertrude A. (Van Tasell) O'Brian. Donna married Charles Werner Braatz on May 14, 1983, in Waterloo.

Donna graduated from high school in 1968. She worked for the Iowa Department of Transportation for 10 years and then found her greatest calling in helping others by being a consultant for Weight Watchers for 30 years. Donna and Charlie owned a business "C & D Enterprises" and sold many crafts at nearby craft shows. Donna enjoyed knitting blankets for all the grandchildren when they were born and making Christmas ornaments for the family every year. Donna and Charlie were train collecting enthusiasts. They loved traveling and visiting all the trains and train stations along the way.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charlie; stepson, Randy (Sheryl Braatz Pierce) Braatz; and stepdaughter in laws, Diane, and Cindy Braatz.

Donna is survived by her stepsons, Charles "Tony" Braatz of Las Vegas, NV, Kerry Braatz of Bond, CO, and Marty (Lori) Braatz of Racine, WI; stepdaughter, Becki (Mitch) Meminger of New Bern, NC; granddaughters, Ashley Wilson of Denver, Amanda Kamp, and April Bearbower both of Waterloo; 16 additional grandchildren, many great and great great-grandchildren; and brothers, Dean (Paula) O'Brian of Topeka, KS and Russell (Celeste) O'Brian of Hudson.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Cornerstone Church, 725 Schneider St, Denver, IA 50622. Visitation will take place one hour prior. Burial will take place following at Garden of Memories Cemetery.

For those that may wish to watch the livestream of the funeral service, you may do so from the Cornerstone Church Facebook page.

Memorial contributions can be made in Donna's name to Cornerstone Church and Cedar Valley Hospice.