Eileen L. (Pelkey) Bratsch

Eileen L. Bratsch, 96 of New London, died Wednesday, October 25, 2023 with family by her side at her son's home near New London. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, October 30, 2023 at Living Word Lutheran Church near New London. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at church. Burial will be in Burbank Cemetery near New London. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in New London.

Eileen Luverna (Pelkey) Bratsch was born March 7, 1927 on the family farm in Roseville Township to Ernest and Lily (Otteson) Pelkey. She attended New London Elementary “Old Gray” and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1945. Eileen was united in marriage to Burdette Robbin in 1946. They had a dairy farm near Hawick where they raised three sons and a daughter. They built and operated the Roseville Coffee House in the early 1960’s where Eileen was well known for her home cooked meals and pastries. They were able to share in 27 years of marriage before Burdette’s death on January 28, 1973.

On December 3, 1976, Eileen was united in marriage to Dennis Bratsch. They made their home in Olivia where he owned and operated Bratsch Trucking and she enjoyed riding with him much of the time.  The couple retired to the New London/Spicer area. They enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 states, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico. Eileen and Denny spent their winters in Texas and Arizona for many years.

Eileen was baptized and confirmed at the Paynesville Lutheran Church and was a member of Living Word Lutheran Church in New London. She enjoyed playing the organ, gardening, painting, crocheting, and watching the birds and animals.

Eileen was a humble, hardworking woman. She loved her family, life, and God’s creation to the fullest.

Eileen is survived by her children, Lexy (Agueda) Robbin of Willmar, Wendy (Gary) Steffensen of Belgrade, Ronny (Lynette) Robbin of Belgrade, and Lonny (Wendy) Robbin of New London; step-children, Linda (Terry) Harden of Green Valley, AZ, Julie Bennington of Green Valley, AZ, and Tim Bratsch of Waconia; 23 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and siblings, Valeria Pauls and Larry (Doris) Pelkey.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Burdette Robbin and Dennis Bratsch; parents; son-in-law, Ronnie Lecher; step-daughter, Dorie Green  and sister, Delores Schwandt.

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