John Braun

The funeral service will be live-streamed at:  https://www.ourlivingwater.org/johnbraun.html   

John Braun, age 96, of Willmar, passed away Monday morning, May 6, at CentraCare Rice Memorial Hospital.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 10, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar.  Interment will be in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the Willmar American Legion Post #167.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

John Braun was born on July 4, 1927, in New England, North Dakota, the son of Thomas and Rosa (Wandler) Braun.  He grew up and received his education in the communities of Regent and Lefor (near Dickenson, ND).  John enlisted in the U.S. Army and served overseas in the Korean War.  On June 12, 1950, John was united in marriage to Leontine "Lea" Jahner.  They made their home near Dickenson, North Dakota and Colby, Kansas before moving to Willmar in 1956.  John was employed for a while at Molenaar Implement as a diesel mechanic.  In 1970, John began employment with the Burlington Northern Railroad in Willmar as a Switchman, retiring in 1987.  During his retirement, John still worked part time at Baker Electric and also volunteered at Rice Memorial Hospital. 

John enjoyed working with wood and metal, playing card games, doing yardwork, polka dancing and socializing with his family and many friends.  He was a member of the Church of St. Mary, Knights of Columbus, Willmar Eagles Club #2334, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1639 and American Legion Post #167. 

He is survived by his four children, Larry Braun, Albin Braun, Gerald (and Lynette) Braun, all of Willmar, and Deb (and Dave) Sweep of Spicer; six grandchildren, Cassondra, Philip, Tina, Matthew, Brianna and Susanna; and three great grandchildren, Cayden, Drew and Gabe, besides other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Leontine "Lea" in 2007; three brothers, Dominic, Eugene and Tony; and five sisters, Georgine, Bridget, Eleanor, Hilda and Irene.