Donald George Braatz

May 11, 1930 - February 22, 2022

Donald G. Braatz died peacefully in his sleep February 22, 2022 at the age of 91. Don was born in Waukegan, Illinois to Ramona (Bloom) and Donald H. Braatz on May 11, 1930. Both his parents were born in Wisconsin. Don was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 65 years, Cleone (Sullivan) Braatz. Don was a Korean Veteran and served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, retiring from Travis A.F.B. In the Air Force he served in the medical field of x- ray and nuclear medicine and helped to build the first American x-ray field unit in Korea during the Korean War. Upon retirement from the service in 1971, he joined Sutter Hospitals in Sacramento working to develop and expand the imaging department over the next 20 years. Don was an avid outdoorsman and helped to instill a deep respect and connection to nature in his family. Don and Cleone shared a love for travel that began while serving in the Air Force and continued throughout their lives. They grew their love of travel through involvement with the Sutter Sailors and various trips and cruises across the globe with family and friends. Don was an avid golfer and an active member of the Carmichael Elks Lodge #2103 for over 50 years. Don is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Linda Braatz Brown and David Brown of Upland, CA; his grandchildren Michelle (Eric) Blanchette of Orlando, FL, Clinton Burrows IV of Bullhead City, AZ, Katherine Brown- Lieberman of Upland, CA, and Shane Burrows of Sacramento, CA; his great- grandchildren Joseph Yoshito of Phoenix, AZ, Cleone Burrows of Bullhead City, AZ, Kale Blanchette of Orlando, FL and Kailey Brown-Lieberman of Upland, CA and a loving circle of extended family and friends, many of whom he mentored along the way. The family would like to extend deeply felt gratitude to Heritage Nursing (Upland, CA), Dove Tree Manor (Rialto, CA) and Aegis Hospice for providing gentle care during the final weeks of Don's life. Burial of both Don and Cleone will be held at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA. on April 8, 2022 with a Celebration of Life to be held at his daughter’s that evening.