Mr. Jon Kendall Bratschi, age 79, of Ludington, passed away Friday, June 17, 2016, at Spectrum Health-Ludington Hospital in Ludington. He was born December 30, 1936, in Elk Rapids to Albert and Mary (Clark) Bratschi. Jon graduated from Elk Rapids High School in Elk Rapids, MI. On February 21, 1967, He married the love of his life, Rosemarie Ferri in Germany. Jon retired from Ludington Area Public Schools, serving as a bus driver as well as the lead mechanic. Mr. Bratschi proudly served our country in the Coast Guard and then the Army, seeing duty in Vietnam, Japan, and Europe before concluding his 27 year military service. Jon also attended West Shore Community College and earned his associates degree. Mr. Bratschi was a devoted family man and loved his children and grandchildren very much. He was happy to support his family, especially fixing his children's cars. Jon was an avid Detroit Tiger fan. When not watching a game he could be found traveling with country music on the radio, or enjoying the outdoors while camping. He cherished memories of fishing with his children in their younger years.

Jon is survived by his wife: Rosemarie (Ferri) Bratschi of Ludington, one daughter: Mary (Kenneth) Rocker of Kalamazoo, and two sons: Albert (Alisha) Bratschi of Ludington and Erik (Holly) Bratschi of Ludington, Eleven Grandchildren: Mindy (Chris) Smith, Britteny Bratschi, Ashley Bratschi, April Bratschi, Megan Bratschi, Cameron Rocker, Jon Rocker, Lindey Sadler, Justin Sadler, Leah Totten, and Lauren Totten, Four Great-Grandchildren: Jade Smith, Sawyer Smith, Miles Smith, and Liam Sadler, Sister: Valerie (Fred) Cooledge of Plano, TX, Brother: Robert (Shirley) Bratschi of Manistee, Sister In Law: Lois Bratschi of Elk Rapids, MI, as well as numerous Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Brother: Albert Clark Bratschi, Nephew: Kevin Bratschi, Father In Law: Luigi Ferri, and Mother In Law: Katharina Ferri.

The Mass of the Resurrection for Mr. Bratschi will be offered Tuesday, June 21, 2016, at 11:00 am at St. Simon Catholic Church in Ludington with Father Wayne B. Wheeler Jr. presiding. Visitation will be Tuesday one hour prior to the service at St. Simon Catholic Church, 702 East Bryant Road, Ludington, MI. Mr. Bratschi will be laid to rest with full military honors in Maple Grove Cemetery in Elk Rapids, MI. The family requests that any memorials be directed to Ludington Area School District, 809 E. Tinkham Avenue, Ludington, MI 49431.