David Braun
David John Braun, age 97, of Stevens Point, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at Aspirus Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids, following a fall and hip fracture.
David was born in Wausau, on October 21, 1927, to the late Edward and Cecelia (Weix) Braun.
He attended St. Anthony's Catholic Grade School and graduated from Athens High School in 1945. David excelled in basketball and baseball, and received first team all-conference basketball honors during his senior year.
After high school, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During his second semester, he was drafted into the United States Army, just as World War II was ending. He was stationed at a radio base on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, where he translated radio signals using Morse code.
After returning home from the service, David attended St. John's University in Collegeville, Minn., and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1950. He majored in business administration with minors in philosophy and teaching.
His first job was performing cost accounting for Allis-Chalmers Corporation in West Allis. One year later he moved to Marshfield, where he performed bookkeeping for the Roddis Lumber and Veneer Company. In 1952 he began work at his father's businesses in Athens, Braun Sales & Service-Ford dealership and Milan Oil Company.
On August 7, 1954, he married Leona Kulas at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Athens. David and Leona lived in Athens and raised four children. They were married for 61 years, and she passed away in 2015.
David was an active member of St. Anthony's Parish and served as a lector, usher, parish council member and financial secretary. He was a leader in the village serving as secretary of the Athens Fair Committee, treasurer of the Athens Development Corporation, and president of the Athens Chamber of Commerce.
He eventually became co-owner of Braun Sales & Service with his brother, Floyd, until retirement in 1984. He operated a mink ranch in Athens from 1965-1968. David and Leona moved to Stevens Point in 1996 to be closer to family and were members of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. They wintered in Central Florida near Winter Haven for twenty-seven years. David never turned down an opportunity to play a game of cards and was an accomplished Bridge player. He enjoyed playing the family card game 'Scrunch' with his children and grandchildren. David was a dedicated Green Bay Packer supporter and attended the famous Ice Bowl at Lambeau Field in 1967. He enjoyed yearly walleye fishing trips with relatives and friends, and was an avid golfer and fantasy football enthusiast.
As a veteran, he was honored to participate in the Never Forgotten Honor Flight in 2015. Service veterans from Central Wisconsin were flown to Washington D.C. and toured the major war memorials and Arlington National Cemetery.
David was a guiding influence to many, especially his children. He taught by quiet example, displaying honesty, humility, enthusiasm and humor.
He is survived by his brother, Paul (Janet) Braun; children: Kathryn Crites, Andrew (Judy) Braun, Stephen (Sera) Braun and Charles (Catherine) Braun; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family.
David was preceded in death by his wife, Leona; parents, Edward and Cecelia; brothers: Floyd (Sophie) Braun, Roger (Mary) Braun and Reverend Michael Braun; sister, Margaret (Roger) King, and son-in-law, Kevin (Kathryn) Crites.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Stevens Point with Father Steve Brice presiding. Visitation is scheduled at the church before the Mass beginning at 10 a.m. A burial service with military honors will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Calvary Cemetery in Athens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David's name to: Never Forgotten Honor Flight 225780 Rib Mountain Drive #234 Wausau, WI, 54401.
Paid obituary 164314
