Lyle D. Bratcher
Our beloved husband, father, grandpa and great-grandpa, Lyle D. Bratcher, of Alexander, N.D., passed away peacefully in his home in Surprise, Ariz.; on Sunday evening, May 26, at the age of 85.
Lyle was born on January 28, 1939 to Lonzo and Dora Bratcher in Williston, N.D. He was the youngest of five children and the only one of his siblings to be born in a hospital.
Lyle attended and graduated from school in Alexander where he enjoyed and excelled at multiple sports. He later attended North Dakota State College of Science. After college, Lyle worked for the Leiseth Funeral Home, hauled overnight mail, plowed snow for seismograph crews and for oil locations, and was a Special Deputy for McKenzie County. His true passion, however, was the family farm that his parents homesteaded north of Alexander. Lyle and his brother Eddie continued this legacy and in recent years, passed on most of the responsibility to his son,Troy and grandson, Dreysyn…farmers never retire.
Lyle met the love of his life, Sharon Chitwood while attending Alexender Public School. Their 64-year marriage started on Sept. 6, 1959. Together, they raised two daughters (Kimberly and Jill) and a son (Troy). He later became a grandfather of seven and great-grandfather of six. He enjoyed attending extracurricular activities for his children and grandchildren and taking the family fishing, boating, and snowmobiling. Some of Lyle’s greatest joys were spent traveling and hunting. Lyle was an avid collector of Mustangs, and he took joy in being a pilot and flying his plane. He enjoyed rooting for the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Coyotes, Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Kansas City Chiefs. He looked forward to going to the horse track, where he always won; his secret was to bet on every horse!
Lyle and Sharon were able to enjoy two family homes, with their winter home being located in Surprise, Ariz. Even there, his love of farming was evident as he took pride in growing the biggest and best citrus fruits. Although Lyle had many outstanding achievements, his proudest accomplishment was the fantastic family he built. Anyone who knew Lyle knew he was the most loving husband, father, grandpa and great-grandpa. He was a generous man who donated time and money to numerous charities dear to his heart.
He spent many Saturday nights flipping hamburgers in the park for the Lions Club, for which he served as president. Lyle loved going out for a good meal and was always quick to his wallet.
Lyle is survived by his wife, Sharon; his children, Kimberly Pierce (David), Jill Sjoerdsma (Kurt), and Troy Bratcher (Lana); his grandchildren, Brittany (Jeremy), Nolan (Jana), Conor, Josten (Jacob), Dreysyn, Jaxen (Hannah) and Bryn; his great-grandchildren, Brody, Abby, Kayne, Bronx and Nash; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, Lonzo and Dora Bratcher; his siblings, and their spouses, Edna Forthun (Bill), Vernetta Olson (Cliff), Edward Bratcher, Jewell Abelmann (Forest); and his great-grandson, baby Eddie Bloom.
His Funeral Service was held at the Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home Chapel in Williston at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Certified Funeral Celebrant Heidi Coughlin officiated. Interment in Camp Creek Cemetery, North of Alexander will followed funeral service.
Visitation was at Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home on Monday, June 3, from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. and for the hour preceding the service on Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that donations be directed to the Lewis and Clark Trail Museum at 102 Indiana Ave, Alexander, N.D. 58831. Friends are welcome to visit www.eversoncoughlin.com to share memories of Lyle or leave condolences for his family.