Edward Brattrud

EDWARD G. BRATTRUD, 88 GLADSTONE, MO - Edward G. Brattrud, 88, met his Lord and Virginia, his wife of 63 years, in heaven on December 20, 2015, ending a long and fruitful life. He had a peaceful passing under the loving care of Care Haven Homes and Interim Hospice, Overland Park, KS. Ed was born July 2, 1927, in Waseca, Minnesota, to Andrew and Hortense Brattrud and grew up on the family farm in Baileyville, Illinois. He attended Baileyville Grade School and Forreston High School, where he graduated in 1945. He attended Dubuque University and graduated from Illinois State University with a BS degree in biology and chemistry in 1950, and a MS degree in biology and chemistry in 1955. He married Virginia Johnson in Plainville, Illinois, on Aug 16, 1953, and raised two sons, Gale (Leanne) and Mark (Lorraine). Ed spent his teaching career in Illinois inspiring students first at Durand Boys' School for delinquent boys, then in Payson, Mt. Carroll, and finally in Polo. Ed had high expectations of his students, regardless of their intellectual abilities and physical limitations; he expected all to do the best they could individually do. Ed's special touch reached beyond the classroom by creating a relationship with students that fostered having a humble, wholesome attitude and being significant and of value to society. In 1962, Ed was selected the Illinois Teacher of the Year and was runner-up for National Teacher of the Year, an honor sponsored by the US Office of Education and Look Magazine. He was also featured as one of the top five teachers in America in the book, "Not for Glory". Ed later served as a Fellow at Colorado State Teachers College, Kansas State University, Northern Colorado University and Stanford. He was an active member in the National Science Foundation, Illinois Chemistry Teachers Association, and the National Biology Science Curriculum study, and his research and articles have been featured in many chemistry and educational journals nationally. In 1963, Ed joined the Illinois State Board of Education and retired in 1992, after serving the field of education for 42 years. Ed was extremely active in his community and family. He served as Elder in his church, taught Sunday school for over 30 years, led men's prayer groups, and was very active in supporting the Rockford Rescue Mission, Lions Club, the Ogle County Retired Teachers organization, and Gideon International. Ed will long be remembered as Gale and Mark's biggest fan. Despite all his travel and hectic work schedule, he missed only one game, concert, play or any other activity they participated in for over 20 years. Ed knew he was a rich man for the countless blessings he received from God through the abundant love of his wife, Virginia, sons, Gale and Mark, and his seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Virginia; brother, Craig; sister, Jeannine; and other cousins, nephews, and great-nephews. Ed was a great man of God and his humble influence on this earth will be remembered for generations. A Memorial Service is planned for 1 p.m. Jan 7, 2016, at White Chapel Cemetery, White Chapel Mausoleum, Gladstone, MO.