Colleen Kay Bratschi

Colleen Kay Bratschi, aged 73, passed away at home on May 22, 2026. She was born on April 9, 1953, in Lansing, Michigan to Sophie and Wayne Gallagher. Colleen grew up in East Lansing, Michigan and was a graduate of East Lansing High School, class of 1971. There is where she met her love of 57 years, Richard Bratschi.

After marriage, the two began a successful 50-year career as business partners and owners of Lake Lansing Road Mobil. Along the way they started a family of which was Colleen’s greatest accomplishment. Spending quality time with her husband and their three children whenever possible brought her immense joy. Later in life, she especially loved becoming a grandmother to two grandsons and seeing them grow.

During her life she had many great experiences, traveling with friends and family. She enjoyed being a member of Capital City Corvette Club and Service Station Dealers Association with her husband, creating memorable friendships along the way. She loved music and attending concerts, plays, and events of interest throughout her life.

Colleen was a loving wife, mother, daughter, and friend. She was the most thoughtful, caring, forgiving, and generous woman. All who knew her will miss her spirit deeply.

Colleen is survived by her husband, Richard W. Bratschi; sons, William (Tierany) Bratschi and Jacob (Heather) Bratschi; daughter, Elizabeth (Benjamin) Mecher; grandsons, Emmett Mecher and Lucas Bratschi; sister-in-law, Zola Olson; brother-in-law, Tedd (Kath) Bratschi; and several loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sophie and Wayne Gallagher; brothers, Harvey Olson, Thomas Olson, and Stanley Olson; sister-in-law, Sandra Bratschi and cousin, Teena Gowan.

A visitation will be held at Gorsline Runciman East Lansing Chapel, located at 1730 E Grand River Ave., East Lansing 48823, on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 2 PM to 6 PM, with a rosary service at 5 PM.

Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, located at 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing 48823, at 11 AM, with visitation being held at the church one-hour prior at 10 AM. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 2520 W. Willow St., Lansing, MI. A luncheon will directly follow back at St. Thomas Aquinas in Father Mac Hall.

Friends and family may send flowers to Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home.

Contributions in Colleen’s memory may be made in her honor to the Greater Lansing Food Bank or St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish.