Cindy R. Braatz, 64, of Las Vegas, formerly of Waterloo, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Cindy was born on March 18, 1960, in Waterloo to Larry and Joan (Wehling) McNamee. She married Charles A. Braatz on February 24, 1989, in Dewar, IA.

Cindy graduated from Dunkerton High School in 1978 and earned her nursing degree from Hawkeye Community College. She worked at VGM for 21 years, retiring as the Director of Information Systems and while retirement couldn't keep Cindy down, she achieved a dream of hers by going back to work for Iowa State University as a procurement agent before deciding it was time to officially retire in 2019. Cindy was very active in community involvement serving in various roles in the Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls, most notably serving as President from 2010-2011, Board Member, Fundraising Vice President, Sustainer Representative to the Board of Directors in 2016-17. Cindy was an avid supporter of Iowa State Athletics, she enjoyed playing spades often placing in tournaments, she was a dog lover most recently to Ellie and Tedy and enjoyed traveling all over.

She is preceded in death by her father Larry McNamee.

Cindy is survived by her husband, Charles Braatz of Las Vegas, NV; sons, Seann (Wendy) DeMaris of Ames, Scott DeMaris of West Des Moines, and Dominic Braatz of Waterloo; daughter, Sarah Brown of Waterloo;stepdaughters, Ashley (Chris) Wilson, Amanda (Joe) Kamp, April (Glenn) Bearbower; parents, Joan and Roy Wellman of Denver, IA and stepmother, Mardy McNamee of Jesup; brother, Jeff (Michelle) McNamee of Raymond; sisters, Susan (Tom) Woolley of Denver, IA, Diane (Jason) Smith of Alburnett, and Denise Siemons of Powersville; 12 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, IA. Memorial Service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 28, 2024, at Locke at Tower Park.

Memorial contributions can be made in Cindy's honor to Critter Crusaders of Cedar Rapids or to the Braatz Family.