Robert “Bob” R. Braun, age 66 of Beaver Dam, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2014 due to myelofibrosis complicated by a fall.
Bob was born on July 16, 1947 in Beaver Dam, WI to Herman and Helen (Lemanski) Braun. He was a 1965 graduate of Beaver Dam High School and proud of the fact that so far, five of his seven grandchildren also graduated from there. After graduation, he began his truck driving career, and on June 1, 1967 he married Elizabeth J. “BJ” McConochie. On June 6, 1967, he entered the United States Army and served his country in Vietnam. He attained the rank of Sergeant (E-5) during his tour with the 4th Division in the Central Highlands. When he returned, Bob, BJ and their daughter, Beth, moved to Columbia, SC, where Bob was stationed at Ft. Jackson for his remaining tour and he taught new recruits about the Vietnam country.
When finished with his military obligation, Bob and his family returned to Beaver Dam and he began employment with Kraft Foods and then John Deere, before returning to trucking and embarked on an almost 40-year accident-free career ending at C.C. Linck and finally P. J. Schmit, retiring in 2009 due to health reasons. Along the way, Bob made many friends that he has kept.
In retirement, Bob enjoyed listening to John & Bill on the morning radio and his daily visit to Chili John’s and Sunday morning coffee with his brother and wife; Sonny and Shirley Braun. He also enjoyed taking three of his grandsons there. He enjoyed all of his grandchildren’s activities and especially enjoyed having them join “Grandma & Grandpa” in Destin, FL on their spring break from college. He traveled to Hilton Head, SC every year and then spent time in Florida for most of the winter months.
Bob was an American Legion Post 146 member and a Lifetime Member of the VFW Post 1163. Though he could be a quiet, unassuming guy, he also loved a good joke and had a wonderful sense of humor that he frequently shared with others in his teasing and jokery.
Robert is survived by his wife of 47 years, Elizabeth of Beaver Dam; his children, Elizabeth (Rob) Aplin of Beaver Dam, Barrett (fiancée Michelle Kwon) of Milwaukee, and Jessalyn Jill of Beaver Dam; his seven grandchildren, Nicholas (Whitney) Borden of Appleton, Rebecca (Brian) Borden-Miller of Fox Lake and Emily, Mitchell, Fletcher, Peyton and Ellie Aplin, all of Beaver Dam; three great-grandchildren, Ella Rose and Alexa Miller and Layla Rae Borden. He is further survived by his siblings, Angeline Hanefeld, Elden (Shirley) Braun, Charmaine (Jerry) Uherka and Dennis (Mary) Braun; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Carol (late Ronald) Braun, Linda Challen, Randall (Teri) McConochie, Robert McConochie, Nicholas J.A. (Lori) McConochie, Stephanie (Frank Jr.) Kiekhaefer and Alison Bahr and many beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends and special friends, Bob and Nancy Johnson of Solsberry, IN.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Kenneth and Ronald; sister Margaret Stark; four nephews, Russell Hanefeld, Mark and Michael Uherka and Anthony Braun; one niece, Cindy Hanefeld; two sisters-in-law, Virginia Braun and Jill McConochie and four brothers-in-law, Wilton Hanefeld, Wallace Hanefeld, Earl Stark and John Challen.
Bob was a wonderful and caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and cared for him. He always tried to do everything right. Rest in peace, my love.
A Memorial Service for Bob will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam. A Memorial Gathering will take place prior to the service at Cornerstone, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Military honors will be provided at Cornerstone, immediately following the service.
Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam, is honored to be serving the family. You may send private online condolences or sign the family’s guest book at www.cstonefs.com
