Born January 19, 1933, in Cooperstown, North Dakota, Harlan Bratz died on March 26, 2009, in Lompoc, California.

Harlan moved to Lompoc at age 3. He was the son of Betty Vance and stepfather, George "Porky" Vance.

Harlan was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Carol Bratz, mother Betty, step-father Porky, sister Joyce Vance, and niece Jeanne Barker.

Harlan is survived by his children: Bobbie Bratz of Santa Barbara, Mike Bratz and wife Marsha and son Jesse of Colleyville, Texas, and Jeff Bratz of northern California.

Harlan graduated from Lompoc High School and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and served in the Korean War. He was a truck driver through and through and loved working at Lompoc Truck Company and V&J Rock Transport, Inc.

Harlan enjoyed golfing and following the sports careers of his boys. He was a good and sweet man, and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Thank you to everyone for the support through these past months but especially to Linda and Brian Donelson, Steve and Loretta Johnson, Bob and Celia Webb, and Patty and John Lizaragga.

A memorial service will be held at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery on Monday, March 30, 2009, at 1 pm with a reception following at the Village Country Club.

Memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care of Santa Barbara, 222 East Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 or a charity of your choice.