Karl D. Fraatz, 70
Dateline: Norton, MA
Karl D. Fraatz, 70, a lifelong resident of Norton passed away surrounded by his loving family on Friday September 10, 2010 at the Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro. He was the beloved husband of Joan L. “Chi-Chi” (Maigret) Fraatz to whom he was wed on February 24, 1962.
Born in East Providence, Rhode Island on October 25, 1939 he was a son of the late Rudolph G. Fraatz and the late Beatrice M. (Rogers) Hayes.
Karl grew up in Norton and was educated in Norton public schools. He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era and was honorably discharged on September 26, 1963 with the rank of Private First Class.
A retired machinist, Mr. Fraatz had been employed by the Crosby Valve & Gauge Co. in Wrentham for 38 years, where he was a member of the United Auto Workers Union, before retiring. . Following his retirement he had worked part time with son Jerry at the Dahlborg- MacNevin Funeral Homes in Brockton and Lakeville.
Karl and his wife were avid travelers and enjoyed visiting with friends on yearly trips taken to Florida and Canada. They traveled to many parts of the world including Hawaii and Alaska.
An avid golfer, Mr. Fraatz was a former member of the Crosby Valve & Gauge golf league and cherished the wonderful times spent with his family, especially with his grandchildren.
In addition to his beloved wife of over 48 years, he is survived by his devoted sons Daniel R. Fraatz of Chicago, Illinois, Jon G. Fraatz and his wife Lynne of Norton, Jerald T. Fraatz and his wife Tracy of Attleboro and Michael K. Fraatz and his wife Kiley of Glocester, Rhode Island. He was the dear brother of Beverly Limpus of Attleboro and the late David Fraatz and Rudolph Fraatz. He is also survived by his adoring grandchildren Danielle, Samantha, Scott, Cameron, Emily, Jake, Riley and Ethan Fraatz as well as his sister in laws Nancy Fraatz of North Attleboro, and Florence Fraatz of Seekonk. He was the former father in law of Terri DiSano of Pawtucket, the brother in law of the late John Limpus and is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Wednesday September 15th at 11:00 A.M. at the Norton Memorial Funeral Home 19 Clapp St. (Off Route 140, Taunton Ave.) Norton. Burial will follow in the Timothy Plain Cemetery, Norton.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday September 14th from 5-8 P.M. at the Norton Memorial Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, Karl’s family has requested that donations in his memory be made to Nine Lives of Norton P.O. Box 548 Norton, MA 02766.
For additional information please visit www.nortonmemorial.com