Services for Sylvia Elaine Bratager
Sylvia Elaine Bratager, age 80, of Erskine, MN, died Saturday, March 30, 2019, at Country Place Assisted Living, Erskine, MN.
Sylvia was born December 20, 1938, near Rindal, MN, the daughter of Sigvard and Selma (Prestegaard) Hassel. She attended country school followed by Fertile High School, graduating with the class of 1957. As a youngster, Sylvia never shied away from hard work. She helped raise her younger siblings and worked in the school cafeteria to help cover the cost of school lunches. Later in her teenage years, she was employed by area neighbors to assist with housework and chores.
On December 14, 1957, she was united in marriage to Boyd Bratager at Norman Lutheran Church, rural Gary, MN. Together they built a life and home on Boyd’s family farm, working side by side for over 60 years. The couple loved to square dance and spent many nights together on the dance floor. Sylvia was a devoted wife and mother. As their family grew, they were blessed with three sons: Bruce, Jeff and Brian. Family was the center of her life, and Sylvia always made the boys' happiness her top priority. On many occasions, she would take the boys fishing and patiently wait while they enjoyed the outdoors. In addition to the rigors involved with being a farm wife and mother, Sylvia also served as caregiver to Boyd's parents in their later years, as they resided on the same farm. When Sylvia’s health and memory began to decline, Boyd lovingly became her primary caregiver. In August 2018, the couple moved from their farm near Winger to Country Place Assisted Living. Six months after Boyd’s death in October, Sylvia was rejoined with her husband in eternal paradise.
Sylvia was very involved with the activities of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Winger, MN, where she taught Sunday School for many years, and was a member of the ladies aid and the quilters group. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and served as their secretary for many years. She and her sister, Darlene, always had a close relationship and cherished their time together. Sylvia could often be found sewing in her free time. Over the years, she made clothing for her boys and square dance outfits for Boyd and herself. In later years, she made numerous fleece tie blankets for the grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as friends and neighbors. She loved craft projects, and most memorably, made little stuffed sheep and hand puppets. Senator Roger Moe noticed one of her sheep at the county fair and commissioned the making of one and personally picked it up at the farm. And her monkey hand puppets were used in several children's sermons at Calvary in the 1980s. Sylvia’s generous heart was often displayed through the giving of herself, her time, and her talents. In return, she looked only for the joy of putting a smile on a loved one’s face.
She is survived by her three sons: Bruce of Rochester, MN; Jeffrey (Julie) of Erskine, MN; and Brian (Marilyn) of Greenleafton, MN; nine grandchildren: Jodie (Zachary), Jairo, Bernt (Rachel), Brittany, Tapanga, Tabitha, Heather (Chuck), Derek (Sandi), and Brandon (Brittany); 14 great grandchildren: Colten, Ellie, Hailey, Izayah, Riley, Annika, Tyler, Sawyer, Caleb, Sydney, Greta, Quincy, Vivian, and Stella; one sister, Darlene (Truman) Johnson of Dilworth, MN; brother, Larry Hassel of Erskine, MN; brother-in-law, Terry Brevik of Erskine, MN; and several nieces and nephews.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband, Boyd; parents, Sigvard and Selma; three brothers: Donald, Conrad, and Bobby; sister, Judy Brevik; sister-in-law, Judy Hassel; and her granddaughter, Tenesha.
Funeral Services were held Monday, April 8, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, Winger, MN. Visitation took place at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen, Sunday, April 7, 2019, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m.
Arrangements entrusted to Anderson Family Funeral Home
in Mahnomen. Online website: www.andersonfamilyfh@arvig.com
