Bio: Braatz, Carl Reinhold (Accident - 1954)

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 
 

Surnames: Braatz 
 

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI.) July 22, 1954 
 

Braatz, Carl Reinhold (12 December 1882 - 18 July 1954) 
 

Carl R. Braatz is a Tractor Victim - Grant Resident Succumbs to Injuries Received near His Barn -  
 

Carl R. Braatz died unexpectedly as a result of the tractor accident in which he was involved last week.  He was making a seemingly good recovery, but the turn came and it was evident that he had received severe internal injuries. 
 

Mr. Braatz, respected farmer who had spent his whole life in the Town of Grant, had the sort of accident which makes farming a hazardous occupation and which occasionally befalls even the experienced and careful.  In accordance with his usual custom, Mr. Braatz was taking care of the tractor part of putting the hay away.  He had backed the tractor up the incline, close to the open door.  The fork was full and was ready to be pulled up.  Mr. Braatz released one of the hand brakes.  The tractor, started rolling slowly down, began to swerve off to one side and to run off the fill.  Mr. Braatz leaped from the tractor, but did not clear it.  The wheel ran diagonally across his chest. 
 

Mr. Braatz, fully conscious thought at first that his injuries were fatal and had no interest in calling a doctor.  But the summons went quickly, nevertheless, and Mr. Braatz was given prompt care and hospitalization.  Much to his surprise, he seemed to be mending - the final blow. 
 

Carl Reinhold Braatz, 71, a lifelong resident of the Town of Grant, died Sunday, July 18, at the Neillsville Hospital where he had been admitted the previous Tuesday, following a tractor accident at his farm home.  
 

The body reposed at the Gilbertson Funeral Home at Granton from Monday until Wednesday, when it was taken to the Zion American Lutheran Church. Services were held there at 2 p.m. on July 21. The Rev. John Jacklin officiated.  Interment took place in the church cemetery. 
 

Mr. Braatz was born December 12, 1882, on a farm in the Town of Grant.  This farm was his home his entire life.  He received his education in the schools of the Town of Grant.  On September 18, 1908, he was married to Louise Junchen at the Zion American Lutheran Church at Granton. 
 

He is survived by his widow, one daughter, Miss Helen Braatz, Neenah; three sons, Clarence at home, Norman, Granton, and Robert Braatz of Neillsville; two brothers, Henry, Neillsville and Herman, Granton; one sister, Mrs. Anna Moench, Worthington, Minn.; and three grandchildren. 
 

Pallbearers were Leonard Braatz, Victor Braatz, Richard Grassman, Harold Junchen, Erwin Braatz and Raymond Kurth.