Inez Josephine Gratton

Inez Josephine Norton Gratton, age 93, formerly of Hollandale, WI passed away at Riverview Hospital, Wisconsin Rapids, WI January 11, 2015 after a short illness. Inez was born in the Town of Moscow, Iowa County, WI on January 25, 1921 to Isaac and Anna Norton. Inez had three older brothers; Ed, Martin, and Grant Norton. She attended Hollandale High School where she graduated Valedictorian of her class at age 16. Inez then attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she received a degree in Registered Nursing.

Inez married John R. Gratton on July 3, 1944 in Alameda, CA while John was serving in the Navy during World War II. When John was discharged from the Navy they returned to Wisconsin where they farmed with John's parents, on the family farm, before acquiring their own farm in Waldwick Township. John and Inez farmed until 1984 when they retired and eventually moved to Hollandale. During the years on the farm Inez held several positions utilizing her nursing degree. Inez was a Registered Nurse at Dodgeville General Hospital, Director of Nursing at Dodgeville Care Center, and Director of Nursing at the Mineral Point Care Center. Inez spent a good portion of her life caring for others both in her professional capacity and her personal life. Inez cared for her father Isaac for many years when he lived with them and then her husband John later in life when he had medical issues. Inez's caring heart came with many of her own sacrifices but never with any complaints.

Inez and her family were members of Bethel United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school and was active in church support functions. Inez also was a 4-H project leader for many years with the local club, and Tax Collector for Waldwick Township for several years, all this while pursuing her nursing career, raising four children, having a huge garden, canning, and working on the family dairy farm with diverse responsibilities. Later in life Inez enjoyed reading, knitting, crocheting, her garden, and her flowers until her sight was diminished. When Inez began to need more care, she lived with her daughter Barb for several years, in Dubuque, IA until her sight and mobility issues forced her to enter an assisted care facility in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. The move to Dubuque was difficult as she had to leave the area and community where she was born, raised, and lived the majority of her life. She missed many of the good friends and acquaintances she had known for years.

Inez is survived by her four children: Anne (Jim) Thomas, Fond Du Lac, WI; John "Jack" (Mary) Gratton, Nekoosa, WI; Jeanne (Dennis Hanson) Massey, Hollandale, WI; and Barb (Mike) Heitz, Dubuque, IA. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren; a sister-in-law Helen (Bud) Strand; and numerous nephews and nieces. Inez was preceded in death by her husband, John Gratton who died on February 18, 2001; parents Isaac & Anna Norton; John's parents Archie & Clara Gratton; her brothers Ed (Myrtle) Norton, Martin (Mildred) Norton, and Grant (Bernadine) Norton, sister-in-law Wanda (Bill) Walker, sister-in-law Nina (Gerry) Feuerpfiel, and several nephews and nieces.

Service will be held at Bethel Methodist Church, 1158 County Road W, Mineral Point, WI on January 17, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. with burial at the Waldwick Cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Becky Henke. Respects can be paid prior to funeral at the church from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.. The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com The family would like to thank the staff at Riverview Hospital, the staff at Arbor View Court Assisted Care Facility, and all the family and friends of Inez for their support and assistance over the years when needed.