Ida Potratz

Ida Celeste Potratz February 9, 1923 – October 16, 2015 An exquisite life journey of 92 years came to end for our dear Ida, our little mommy, our grandma, our G.G. and our matriarch. Her journey began as the youngest of 6 children of Italian immigrant parents. Ida grew up in Chicago and married Carl at age 23. He brought her from the city to a dirt airstrip in Grand Junction and she began the second chapter as a mother and wife. After raising 8 children, she went to work and was quickly promoted through the department she eventually managed at City Market. At Carl’s passing, he suggested that she marry his brother Gene. “He will take good care of you and he has been in love with you his whole life.” So at 68, her next chapter began with a wedding. Gene and Ida had a wonderful life traveling and welcoming many great grandchildren. In the final stage of her journey, age slowed her body but never her spirit. She was joyful and grateful for all the care she received from her family and it was truly an honor to return the care she had bestowed all of us. An amazing, beautiful woman and a true matriarch until the very end, she never let us, or anyone, forget that she was “the luckiest mother in the whole world”. Truth be told, it was the other way around little mommy. Surviving Ida are her children, Celeste Bradley, Vicki Cowan (Bruce Benge), Laura Arevian (Scott), Kathy Potratz, Mike Potratz, Joanne Pearson (Charlie), and Suzi Potratz. Her son, David Potratz and two grand daughters precede her in death. Ida was blessed with a loving extended family including her 13 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. The angels that pose as nurses, doctors, CNA’s and volunteers at Hope West and Hospice beautifully facilitated the end of Ida’s journey. We could not be more grateful for their gracious guidance, and ask that all please donate generously in lieu of flowers. Please visit brownscremationservice.com or endofseason.org Services will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 230 N. 3rd Street on Thursday, October 29th at 2:00pm, followed by an ice cream social in the Friendship Room.