Joel D Bratt

Joel was born on May 1, 1968 to Donald and Norma Bratt in Grand Rapids, MI where he grew up alongside his beloved older siblings Mary (Valkier), Ben, and Tom. He graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School in 1986 and proceeded to study English at Calvin College, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1991. While on tour with the Calvin College Campus Choir, Joel met the love of his life, Cheryl Alberda. The two were married in Seattle, WA on July 19, 1991 and went on to enjoy 32 years of loving, devoted partnership.

After graduating from Calvin, Joel earned a master’s degree in education from Concordia University in River Forest, IL and began a career as an English teacher. Joel’s time as an educator spanned nearly 30 years, 19 of which were spent at Shoreline Christian School. “Mr. Bratt” was a distinguished and much loved colleague, teacher, and mentor who consistently aspired to create time and space for others to flourish. In his classes, Joel invited his students to engage with important ideas, to develop their authorial voice, and to ponder the nature of the Good, the Beautiful, and the True. He leaves a legacy in the hearts and minds of many former students who were the pride and joy of his professional life.

Outside the classroom, Joel was a caring and loyal friend. One of his favorite activities was sitting with his friends, laughing and shooting the breeze. Until the end, Joel’s friends were an immense support and comfort to him for which his family is immeasurably grateful.

Before everything, Joel was a devoted husband and a proud father. Together, he and Cheryl raised two sons, Aaron and Nicholas, along with a lovable little cockapoo named Marley. Joel loved his family above all else and cared for them well in his roles as head chef, lawn care lead, and mechanic-in-chief, among many others. However, he was always ready to drop these responsibilities at a moment’s notice to be with his family when they needed him, to offer them wise words or an empathetic ear. Joel delighted in watching his sons grow up and loved helping them with school work, having long conversations with them, baking his famous chocolate chip cookies together, and cheering loudly for the Seahawks and the Wolverines (Go Blue!). More than anything, Joel adored being married to Cheryl. For more than 32 years, their love for each other never wavered. Their favorite place was in each other’s company, and, until the end, they remained the best of friends.

Joel is preceded in death by his father, Donald, and his nephew, Zachariah. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, and his sons, Nicholas (Meghan) and Aaron (Annaclare). He is also survived by his mother, Norma, and siblings Mary (DJ), Ben (Vicki), and Tom (Shea) along with many nieces, nephews, and in-laws. They include his mother-in-law Verna, father-in-law Bern, brother-in-law Dale (Heidi), brother-in-law Randall, brother-in-law Ron (Julie), nephew Chris (Sophia), niece Jenny (Alex), niece Ariana (Josh), nephew Jordan, niece Abby, niece Madeline, niece Emily, nephew Todd, niece Sydney, nephew Nathan, niece Noelle, great-niece Remi, great-nephew Owen, and great-nephew Max.

Joel’s memorial service will be held at the Edmonds Yacht Club on September 15th at 6:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Fred Hutch Cancer Center in his name.