Barbara E. Gratz

FENNIMORE – Barbara E. Gratz, age 87, passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Dove Healthcare in Fennimore. She was born to Daniel and Evelyn (Ransom) Riley on April 7, 1936, in Mt. Ida Township, Lancaster, Grant County, Wisconsin. Barbara attended Mt. Ida and Rowdon rural grade schools. She graduated from Fennimore High School in 1953.  She then attended Platteville and Stevens Point State Colleges until she went home to help on the family farm. She met Guerdon Gratz, and they were married July 29, 1956, at the Peace Lutheran Church in Platteville, WI. They resided and farmed on his family farm in Fennimore all their married life. Barbara was very active at church, with the Extension Homemakers and she and Guerdon both served as 4-H leaders for many years. She also worked off the farm at the Cottonwood Supper Club and Lands’ End.

Barbara and Guerdon raised 6 children on the farm; three sons: Dennis (Sharon) Gratz of Farmington, IA, Daniel (JoAnne) Gratz of Fennimore, and Darren (Tina) Gratz of Boscobel and three daughters: Janet (Steve) Riley of Lancaster, Julie (David) Walker of Lancaster, and Joy Gratz of Madison. She is further survived by 14 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and one on the way; two brothers, Dan (Lucille) Riley of Jadwin, MO, and Steve (Janet) Riley of Lancaster; and one sister. Mary Riley of Salt Lake City, UT. She is also survived by 5 nephews and 4 nieces.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Guerdon, on May 26, 2011, an infant daughter, Diane on April 7, 1957; brothers, Robert and Mark Riley; and her parents and parents in-law.