Lois Bratlien

Lois Joann Bratlien was born October 7, 1940, in Fergus Falls, MN the daughter of Richard and Mary (Riekenberg) Milbeck. Lois grew up on Eddy Lake in rural Erhard, where she was baptized and confirmed at the Maplewood Presbyterian Church.

She graduated high school in 1958 from Pelican Rapids, MN. She married her lifetime partner Roger Bratlien on October 18, 1958 at Maine Presbyterian Church. They were blessed by three children, who grew up in the home they built together.

This would remain their forever home, where they would continue to welcome their family celebrating 65 years of marriage together before Roger's passing in 2024. Lois's most important work was raising her children as a stay-at-home mom until they were into their teenage years. She then began working at Lake Region Hospital where she was an active union representative during her housekeeping career.

Outside of work, Lois used her gifts and talents to serve others generously. Lois was active in her community and in her church's Ladies Aide helping to assemble the newsletter. Family was central in Lois's life and was a source of never-ending support and encouragement to her children and grandchildren. Lois demonstrated her unwavering love for her family as the primary caregiver for both her mother-in-law, Esther and to Roger in their home through years of healthcare needs.

Lois had a talent for anything involving the kitchen. She was always prepared with baked goods and a hot pot of coffee, just in case anyone should stop by for a visit around the kitchen table. She collected and read recipe books like novels, handwriting and passing down family-favorite recipes to her children. Carrying on a tradition she acquired from her mother, Lois's recipe books also served as her address books and for keeping record of important birth, wedding, and death dates of those important to her.

Lois loved to always keep her friends and family near. On Friday, April 3, 2026, Lois passed away at the age of 85 at Lake Region Hospital, after a four-year battle with renal kidney failure. She is survived by her three children, Kevin (Dawn) Bratlien, Kathy (Nick) Sharp, and Karla (Doug) Green; seven grandchildren, Jim (Audra) Bratlien, Desta Sillerud, Wesley (Samantha) Green, Jared Green, Klara Hermes, Jack (Chloe) Hermes, and Eden (Claire) Sharp; five great-grandchildren, Andrew, Ethan, Addison Sillerud and Lincoln, Lyla Green; brother, Eugene (Dorene) Milbeck; sister-in-law, Laura Milbeck, and numerous nieces and nephews. Lois is preceded in death by her husband, Roger; parents, Richard and Mary Milbeck; father and mother-in-law, James and Esther Bratlien; sister, Inez (Leo) Harles, and brother, Richard Milbeck.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Fresenius Kidney Dialysis staff in Fergus Falls for their care and comfort to Lois. Forever in our Hearts. Celebration of Life: 3:00 p.m. Friday, April 24, 2026 at Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service. Clergy: Reverend David Strom. Interment: Maplewood Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Erhard, MN at a later date. Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls. Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com