Wahkiakum Eagle-July 2003 BRATENG, Erling Thorwald Age 79, of Kelso, died at the Longview Hospice Care Center. He was born at Wauna, Ore., the son of Carl I. and Petra (Bugge)Brateng. He was raised in Longview and after his graduation from high school in Van Nuys, Calif., came to the Northwest where he worked for the government at Hanford Nuclear Plant before returning to Longview. In 1949 he married Carmelle See and they were later divorced. He was a member of the Teamsters Union and worked construction on the Astoria- Megler bridge and on the I-5 corridor and for Tolleycraft as a boat builder and electrician. In 1966 he married LuClaire and they operated the Cranmoor farm in Ilwaco until 1982 when he retired. Other interests included membership in the Ocean Spray Growers, Long Beach BPOE, Order of Eagles, National Rifle Assn., Pacific and Cowlitz Historical associations. He enjoyed outdoor activities and time with his family. Survivors include his wife at home; a son, Shawn of Newport, Ore.; two daughters, Debby Hill of Warrenton, Ore., and Carla Weiler of Federal Way; a sister, Helen Danielson of Cathlamet; two grandchildren and seven nieces and nephews. A celebration of his life was held Sunday at Trinity Lutheran church in Longview with Rev. Jeff Milsten officiating. Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park and Crematory was in charge. Longview Memorial Park-Longview, Wa. 09 July 1924-25 July 2003 (As transcribed by the Wahkiakum County Historical Society)