Obit: Brauner, Kay Ellen (1948 – 2009)

Contact: Dolores

Surnames: Brauner, Reichie, Schultz

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) September 30, 2009

Brauner, Kay Ellen (12 June 1948 – 22 September 2009)

Kay Ellen Brauner, 61, of Black River Falls died unexpectedly of a massive brain hemorrhage Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.

Kay was born June 12, 1948, to Robert and Ellen (Reichie) Schultz.  She was raised in Wausau and graduated from Wausau East High School in 1966.  She received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison.

She married Michael R., Brauner in Wausau, June 14, 1969.  Mike and Kay lived in Madison and Black River Falls.

She taught science at the Taylor High School and later worked as a counselor for Jackson County Human Services and the Krohn Clinic.

Kay promoted friendships and family relations.  Her caring spirit and love of people were known throughout the community.  She touched many lives in many ways.  She was a devoted wife, sister, aunt and friend. 

Her interest in biology and the environment was a life-long passion. She graciously and enthusiastically shared this passion with students in the Black River School District as the school forest coordinator. She was always interested in environmental education and being a good steward of the land.

Canoeing, backpacking and hiking were activities she enjoyed and shared with others.

She loved her garden, cooking and sharing food with family and friends.

Surviving are her husband Mike; her brother Terry (Loretta) Schultz, Wausau; nieces and nephews, and a large, diverse circle of friends, all of whom shall miss her greatly. 

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Kay’s organs have been donated to those who need them and for research at the UW-Madison.

 A time of remembrance and reflection will be held at the Skyline Golf Course Clubhouse, 612 N. 11^th St. Black River Falls Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Memorials may be given to the causes which Kay believed in and championed: Compassion and Choices, P. O. Box 101810, Denver, CO 80250-1810; the Nature Conservancy, 4245 N. Fairfax Dr. Suite 100, Arlington VA 22203 and the Black River Falls Public Library. 

Torgerson’s Funeral Service (715-284-4321) of Black River Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.