Joseph Gratchner III's Obituary
Joseph Ronald Gratchner III was born on October 20, 1934 to Joseph R. Gratchner, Jr. and Josephine Rose Brochetti in Oak Park, IL. He met Fujiko (Fujinawa) Gratchner while he was in the Navy stationed at Yokosuka. They married on November 16, 1956. Their first child, Dorothy, was born in Sasebo, Japan. The young couple returned stateside, where Joseph exited the Navy and joined the Army. The family settled in Ft. Huachuca, AZ, and their family unit grew with the birth of three more children: Joey, Nancy, and Frances. After spending almost 20 years at Ft. Huachuca, Joseph received orders to Okinawa, Japan and the family relocated. The family resided there from December 1977 until May 1982. In May 1982, the family relocated to Tacoma, WA. Joseph (aka Ron) was a husband, father, brother, uncle, and Ji-chan (grandfather). He was a veteran; a retired Sergeant Major (Army). He was a leader by nature. He was intelligent, funny, detail oriented, caring, and loving. He enjoyed playing/watching football and baseball. He was a referee for many years. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attending Japanese dance performances to watch his wife, Fujiko, perform. He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years,
Fujiko (2-17-2023), his son, Joey (10-24-2011), and is survived by his daughters, Dorothy, Nancy (Randy), and Frances, five grandchildren, Robert, Jr., BrandonLee, Emi, Duncan, and Jack; sisters Joanne, Mercedes, Faye, and brother, Mike, along with numerous nieces and great nieces and nephews.
Dad spent his last 16 months in a loving, memory care facility called Deer Ridge in Puyallup. Our sincere gratitude and appreciation go to all the staff who offered Dad the special care he needed and allowed him to live his last months with dignity and honor.
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