Submitted by: Dan Rich

Charles R. Bratina

Feb. 3, 1910 - July 3, 2004

South Bend Tribune 7/6/2004

Charles R. Bratina, 94, of Farm Lane, South Bend, Ind., passed away Saturday, July 3, in his residence. He was born Feb. 3, 1910, in Rankin, Pa., to the late Frank J. and Dorothy (Blazina) Bratina.

On Oct. 3, 1936, in Fort Wayne, Ind., Charles married Madonna Morrow, who preceded him in death on Oct. 30, 2000. Also preceding him in death were his three sisters, Anna Fadiga, Helen Kershner and Barbara Bratina; and a brother, Frank J. Bratina Jr.

Charles retired in 1975 from Kuert Concrete Inc./South Bend Sand & Gravel, where he was the secretary and treasurer. He was a member of the First Church of Christ Scientist, and a member of the former Masonic Lodge #294 that is now St. Joseph Lodge #45.

Charles is survived by his two loving daughters, Sharon McManus and husband, Patrick of Granger, Ind., and Janina Bratina and her husband, Mitchell Clark of South Bend; three granddaughters, Kathleen (Scott) McCadam of Covington, La., Reagan (Brett) Firestein of Granger and Clare (Steve) Fields of Granger; seven great-grandchildren, Joe, Cara, Connor, Alison, Reilly, Kate and Kyle; his sister, Dorothy Saia of Buffalo, N.Y.; and a brother, James (Juanita) Bratina of Indianapolis.

Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, July 7, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Welsheimer Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Road. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 8, in the funeral home. Cremation will follow. In loving memory of Charles, contributions may be made to either the C.A.S.I.E. Center, 912 E. LaSalle Ave., Suite 100, South Bend, IN 46601; or to Alzheimer's Association/Northern Indiana Chapter, 103 N. Main St., Suite 707, South Bend, IN 46601-1617.