Obit: Braun, John J. (1963 – 2014)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Braun, Bauer, Gehrke, Sandley, Ratchman, Strey, Scheckelman, Lampsa

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 12 Feb 2014

Braun, John J. (11 MAR 1963 – 8 FEB 2014)

John J. Braun, 50, Marshfield, entered eternal life on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, at House of The Dove in Marshfield, with family at his bedside after a short battle with ALS. Memorial services were held at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at Cornerstone Community Church in Marshfield. Rev. Larry Jones officiated.

John Braun was born on March 11, 1963, in Marshfield, the son of Vincent and Doris (nee Bauer) Braun. He attended elementary school in Loyal and graduated from Loyal High School. On Aug. 3, 2001, he married Cheryl Gehrke at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spencer. John took an early interest in farming through the family farm, eventually taking over and working for many area farmers. He also worked for Braun Concrete Co. and Marawood Construction Co. For the past 10 years, he had been an activity aide at Marshfield Care Center. There he brought joy and happiness to the residents by engaging them in daily activities including coffee socials, dancing, musical events and much more. This was his true calling. When health issues prevented John from full-time employment, he decided to volunteer his time and help others. For those who knew John, his love for the Lord, his energy, positive attitude, making everyone in his life a priority, and his volunteerism were all rays of light that shined brightly. His passions were spending time with family, helping others, and biking throughout the entire year. John was also an active member of Cornerstone Community Church.

Survivors include his devoted wife, Cheryl Braun, Marshfield; his mother, Doris Braun, Marshfield; his children, Craig (Brenda) Braun, Eau Claire, Derek (Courtney) Braun, Chippewa Falls, Darrin (Lynn) Braun, Waukesha, Jamie Braun, Milwaukee, Mischel Sandley, Sherwood, and Nissa Sandley, Minneapolis; two grandchildren, Vivianne and Sawyer Braun; eight siblings, Gary (Edie) Braun, Marshfield, Karen (Richard) Ratchman, Davenport, Fla., Michael (Jean) Braun, Phillips, Susan Strey, Marshfield, Timothy (Terri Engen) Braun, Loyal, Andrew (Shawn) Braun, Spencer, Mary (Tim) Scheckelman, Appleton, and Carla (Brian) Lampsa, Downers Grove, Ill.; along with other relatives, friends, and countless souls John has touched along the way of life.

He was preceded in death by his father, Vincent; and two brothers, Joseph and Alan.

The family expresses its sincere appreciation to the dedicated staff at The House of The Dove for the comfort and care they provided John.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made in John’s name to The House of the Dove, The ALS Association of Wisconsin or the MDA of Wisconsin.

Visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com  to share condolences.

Arrangements were entrusted to Life Tributes Funeral Home and Cremation Services-Spencer.