James Braun

Funeral Services for James M. Braun, age 74 of rural Wheaton, will be held Monday, July 21, 2008 at 10:30 AM at the Ave Maria Catholic Church in Wheaton. Visitation will be held Sunday evening from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Ranney Funeral Home in Wheaton. There will be a 7:00 PM prayer service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Wildwood Cemetery in Wheaton following military rites at the cemetery. Jim passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at the St. Francis Health Care Center in Breckenridge, Minnesota. James Matthew Braun was born on August 1, 1933 in Humphrey, Nebraska to Louis J. and Catherine S. (Kraus) Braun. He grew up near Humphrey until moving to the Wheaton area in 1950 with his family. He farmed with his family until entering the United States Navy in 1955. After serving in the Navy he returned to Wheaton to again farm with his brother Quirin and later also with his nephew Curtis. He retired from farming in 1999. He was a member of the Ave Maria Catholic Church in Wheaton and served on the Parish Council. He also served on the Traverse Coop Oil Board and the Traverse County Historical Society. Even after retiring he continued to enjoy being part of the farming operation and spending time with his nephew Curt and his wife Peg and their children Dane, Riley and Katie and good friend Adam Woody Steger and the rest of the guys on the farm. He enjoyed collecting and restoring antique tractors especially John Deere, traveling with Rustad Motorcoach Tours and attending family gatherings, or so , as Jim would say. Jim is survived by 2 brothers: Isaac (Socorro) Braun of Brazil, South America, Robert (Yvette) Braun of Rochester, Minnesota, and one sister: Beata (Elroy) Meyer of Wahpeton, North Dakota, sister-in-law: Alice Braun of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 10 nieces and nephews: Greg (Roxy) Meyer, Rob (Julie) Meyer, Sue (Steve) Holzbauer, Stef (Eric) Frickey, Todd (Cheryl) Braun, Amy (Tony) Wolters, Curt (Peg) Braun, Carmen (Dan) Eberhardt, Karen (Steve) Haney, Kaline Braun, many great nieces and nephews, and good friend, Woody Steger. He was preceded in death by a brother: Quirin, 2 infant sisters and a niece. The family requests memorials to: The Riveredge Hospice, 2400 St. Francis Drive, Breckenridge, Minnesota.

To watch the video tribute click here!