Obit: Braun, Leona (1920 - 2015)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Appel, Braun, Corey, Crites, Frees, Green, Hansen, Kulas, Lindner, Pepowski, Rajek

----Source: The Record - Review (Abbotsford, WI) 8/03/2015

Braun, Leona “Lee” (Kulas) (18 DEC 1920 - 2 AUG 2015)

Leona “Lee” Braun, age 94, of Stevens Point died peacefully Aug. 2, 2015, at her home under hospice care.

Lee was born on December 18, 1920, to the late Andrew and Frances (Pepowski) Kulas in Athens. She attended St. Anthony Grade School and graduated valedictorian from Athens High School in 1938. While in high school, she enjoyed participating in forensics and play-acting. Lee attended Central State Teachers College (UWSP) in Stevens Point, focusing on her academics while enjoying dorm life. She graduated valedictorian in 1942 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. She was awarded the Alpha Kappa Rho Trophy.

She began her teaching career in Minocqua in 1942, with a class of thirty sixth grade students. She moved to Waukesha in 1944, where she taught for four years. In 1948, Lee moved to the San Francisco, Calif., area, where she taught for over two years. After returning to Wisconsin in 1951, she taught in Wisconsin Rapids and Madison.

On Aug. 7, 1954, she married David Braun at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Athens. Lee dedicated her life to family and raising her four children. She occasionally taught at St. Anthony Grade School. Lee was actively involved in the Athens Women’s Club. She enjoyed writing short stories about family, reading, sewing, gardening, genealogy, playing bridge and the piano.
Lee and David resided in Athens for 42 years. In 1996, they sold their home in Athens and relocated to Stevens Point. Upon retiring, they traveled throughout the U.S. and wintered in Florida until 2013. Lee and David were happily married for 61 years.

She was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Parish in Athens and Holy Spirit Parish in Stevens Point.

Lee is survived by her loving husband, David, of Stevens Point. Other survivors include daughter, Kathryn (Kevin) Crites of Orlando, Fla., and grandchildren, David and Daniel Appel, and step-grandchildren, Melissa Hansen, Tenika Frees and Kelsey and Katie Crites; son, Andrew (Judy) Braun of Plover, and grandchild, Laura Braun; son, Stephen (Sera) Braun of Yardley, Pa., and grandchildren, Erica, Stephanie, Matthew and Joseph Braun; son, Charles (Catherine) Braun of Centreville, Va., and grandchildren, Riley and Mitchell Braun, and step-grandchild, Justin Green.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Edward (Cecelia) Kulas, Louis (Dorothy, Leola) Kulas, John (Verna) Kulas; and a sister, Lucy (Irwin) Corey/(Harry) Rajek.

A funeral Mass was held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015, at Holy Spirit Parish (formerly St. Stanislaus) at 838 Fremont Street, Stevens Point, with Rev. Thomas Lindner presiding. A time of visitation was held Thursday before the Mass, beginning at 9:30 a.m., at the Holy Spirit Parish. Burial will be held at a later date in Athens.

The family wishes to thank Ministry Hospice and Dr. Terri Hahn for their dedicated care.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be made to Pacelli Catholic Schools (SPACS) for education.

Online condolences may be made at www.bostonfuneralhome.net.