Elliot C. Bratt

Elliot C. Bratt, 88, died at 6:09 p.m. Thursday, January 8, 2009 at his home, which was his wish, with his wife and son at his side.  Cremation has been held.  A Celebration of Elliot’s life will be held Sunday, February 8, 2009 at Bayard Memorial Chapel at 2:00 p.m. with Michael L. Landauer speaking.   Military honors by the Nebraska National Guard.  A reception will be held at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Bayard following the services.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. 

     Elliot was born March 19, 1920 in Bennet, Nebraska, the son of Charles P. and Loretta J. (Conn) Bratt.  He graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln as a petroleum geologist and has been a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologist since 1949. Having graduated form the University of Nebraska, Elliot was an avid fan of the Cornhuskers. When they were playing you didn’t say a word to him and was a major supporter of Tom Osborne.

     He enlisted in the United States Air Force November 7, 1942 and was honorably discharged May 4, 1946.  His commendations during his tour with the Air Force were World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

     Elliot joined the Masons in November 1943 playing an active role in the organization until his health started deteriorating.

     During his life time Elliot owned his own Oil Company, pursuing drilling wells in Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming and Oklahoma.  He worked for Dow Chemical for several years.  He invested in many real estate properties, such as the Blue Spruce Motel in Granby, CO, the Old Homestead in Rand, CO as well as various properties in Denver, CO and Bayard, NE area.

    Their home was always open to family and friends. He was a very warm and caring person always ready to help anyone who needed help. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.

    After retiring,  he enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing, rebuilding boat motors and boats as well as remodeling houses. However in the last few years he enjoyed spending time at his home in Bayard watching the birds and being with his wife.

     Survivors include his wife Donna Jean, son, Major Barry B. (Karol) Bratt of Fruita, CO, seven grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. 

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Loretta, brothers, Bryce and Curtis Bratt, sister, Jean Jewett, son, Steven Elliot Bratt in 1990, grandson, Roman Bratt in 2004 and son, Randolph Rex Bratt in 2006.

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