Bernard "Chuck" Gratz

Bernard Charles “Chuck” Gratz, 65, of Atwater, MN, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, November 25, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar after a courageous battle with cancer. His funeral service will be on Saturday, November 30, at 2:00 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church of rural Atwater. Visitation will be on Friday, November 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Burial will be held at the church cemetery. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar. www.hafh.org

Bernard Charles “Chuck” Gratz was born on March 14, 1959, in Litchfield as the oldest child to Bernard L. and Charlotte (Hegstrom) Gratz. He was baptized and later confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church of Atwater, where he was a lifelong member. He grew up on the family farm, where at an early age, he learned a strong work ethic and gained a love of agriculture. Chuck attended St. John Lutheran School and later graduated from Atwater High School in 1977. While in school, he was active in 4-H and FFA. Chuck continued his education at the University of Minnesota - Morris and later at the University of Minnesota - St. Paul. After his schooling, he moved back to the family farm where he worked with his family raising and milking dairy cattle and growing crops. Some of his biggest enjoyments on the farm were running the planter, the sprayer, and the combine. He also tended to and cared for the calves on the dairy farm. Chuck enjoyed traveling; he went to Chile, participated in two mission trips to Costa Rica through Most Ministries and went on many day trips with his friends. He also enjoyed hunting and vegetable gardening. Recently, he started growing radishes and enjoyed giving them to friends and family. Chuck’s unwavering and lifelong faith in his Lord carried him through his life on earth. His love for his family, friends, and farming followed closely behind. He always encouraged his family and friends with his knowledge and wit. He was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend.

Chuck is survived by his parents: Bernard L. and Charlotte Gratz of Atwater; siblings: Julie (Bob) Ehrlich of Spicer and Bradley (JoAnn) Gratz of Atwater; and nephews: Kyle Ehrlich, Dillon (Kayla) Gratz, Elliot Gratz and Wilson Gratz; and many other relatives and friends.

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