Kathryn Braafhart

Kathryn Mae Braafhart was born January 10, 1924, to Gysbert and Ethel (Van Engelenhoven) Menninga, at their home north of Otley.

Kathryn attended Valley View school through eighth grade. She met Nicholas Braafhart, Jr. while working at Rolscreen.  They were united in marriage on May 31, 1947, at her parents’ farm near Otley. To this union they were blessed with five children: James, Rodger, Joel, Robert and Kristi. Kathryn raised her children and later worked as a bookkeeper for their family business.

Kathryn enjoyed bowling with her lady friends, motorcycle trips with Nick, and camping at the state fair. Kathryn was a wonderful home-maker! She kept a neat house, was a great cook and baker. She enjoyed sewing, crafts, handiwork and painting later in life. She was a faithful wife, easy-going mother and grandmother, and was accepting of all.

She has been a faithful member of Third Reformed Church since marriage, and was a member of Ladies Aid serving at funerals for many years.

Family:

Jim and Barb (Kuiper) Braafhart

            Scott Braafhart

                        Sam, Chloe, Sophia, Hailey

            Matt and Trina Braafhart

                        Kayla, Kennedy, Bella, Ariana

            Jeff and Kristi Braafhart

                        Brady, Blake, Jayden, Elijah    

Rodger and Sherry (Stursma) Braafhart

            Michelle and Darin Wogen

                        Andrew, Alyssa

            Shannon Braafhart

            Brett and Kaylee Braafhart

Joel and Deb (Kooyman) Braafhart

            Nick and Libby Braafhart

                        Claire, Kate, Charlie, Simon

            Jennifer Braafhart

                        Patrick, Timothy

            Joey and Jenny Braafhart

                        Riley, Brianna, Bronwyn, Penelope, Elinor, Chip

Robert and Rebecca (Miller) Braafhart

            Rachel Braafhart

            David and Mariah Braafhart

            Joy Braafhart

            Noah Braafhart

Kristi and Mike Van Ee

            Travis and Stephanie Van Ee

                        Piper

            Amanda Van Ee and Dustin Carter

                        Crysta, Cayden, Caylee, Conner, Collin

Kathryn is also survived by her brothers and sisters: Clarence (Irene) Menninga, Alvin (Leanne) Menninga, Gys (Sylvia) Menninga, Arlan (Joann) Menninga, Larry (Mary Jo) Menninga, and Phyllis (Ray) Klapwyk.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband Nicholas Braafhart, Jr., parents, Gysbert and Ethel Menninga; parents-in-law Nicholas and Clara Braafhart; grandson Caleb Braafhart; great-granddaughter Naomi Braafhart; sisters: Arlene in infancy, and Elizabeth Van Dusseldorp; and brothers: Setrith (Jean) Menninga, and Bernie (Grace) Menninga.

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