David Gratz

David Gratz, 89, passed away unexpectedly July 25 at Sanford Hospital, after suffering a major stroke. Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, July 29, at 10:30 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, with Fr. Waltz officiating. Burial will be held at Mandan Union Cemetery, with military honors. Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. Sunday at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a rosary/vigil service held at 4 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

David was born October 23, 1934, to Steve and Rose (Kautzman) Gratz on a farm north of St. Vincent’s, living there until the age of 17 when he moved to Mandan and worked as a bell boy at the Lewis & Clark Hotel. On November 5, 1957, he married Eileen Schmidt, and they were very Blessed with many wonderful years, although not long enough. David served in the ND National Guard from 1954-1958. He worked for Dakota Bottling Company before beginning a very fulfilling career with ND Concrete Company, where his self-taught skills earned him much respect throughout his career. He was known to be the toughest boss while on plant property, but everyone’s best friend when the job was done! He retired from ND Concrete after 37 years in 1997; however, as he always needed to be busy and was a very social person, he worked part-time for about 13 years at Weigel Funeral Home and Buehler-Larson Funeral Home. His fun sense of humor definitely helped each of us to not be fearful of life beyond this earth. His kind heart has been our rock.

David is survived by his wife of 67 years, Eileen; his children Reyne (Dave) Helfrich; Steve (Jane) Gratz; Laurie (Tom) Pfliger; Pattie (Paul) Feller; and Darren (Denise) Gratz. His Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren: Tyler (Brittany, Paysen, Sutten, Colter); Elisha (Zack, Waylon); Travis (Lacy and Baby); Jared; Emily (Maliyah, Kobin, Haizlee); KyLee (Derrek, Taten, Collin, Brooks); Tara (Chris); Justin (Kaysee); Jaden; Jennifer (Preston); Skylar; Laken; Kenley and Brityn. The love for these kids could not be measured, but always rewarded with ice cream or tootsie rolls! Along with this crew, he also had several special “adopted” kids (you all know who you are) – thanks for loving him the way we did. 

He also leaves three sisters: Lillian Rennich, Bernice (Emanual) Geiger; Jeannie (Jim) Fitterer; Sister-in-laws: Clem Meyer and Vivian Erhardt and brother-in-law Reynard (Joletta) Schmidt. Many nieces and nephews, all of whom he never forgot. 

David was preceded in death by his son, Darvin; great grandson, Kingston; his parents; mother-and-father-in-law, George and Rose Schmidt; his sister, Carol; brother-in-laws, Norman Meyer, Connie Erhardt, Frank Rennich and Bob Radmer. He always talked about his countless friends who have gone before him, so we imagine a reunion of much joy! We find comfort in knowing he and Darv are together again.