JOHN JOSEPH BRAUN

John Joseph Braun, age 62, passed away peacefully at his home Thursday, March 2, 2023.

John was born March 10th, 1960 at Ely Bloomenson Hospital to Bill and Georgia (Sames) Braun and arrived home to meet five of his what would become 10 siblings.

In 1978, he graduated from Ely Memorial High School where he played both offensive and defensive end on the football team and was also a member of the golf team. Shortly after graduating, he was hired by LTV Steel where he worked for several years.

He met his partner of almost 40 years at this time. John and Robin (Doran) Braun were married on July 23, 1983 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely.

John worked for his brother who owned and operated Mike Braun Masonry until he was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease in 1991. After extensive cancer treatment including bone marrow transplant, the doctors at the University of MN were able to bring John into remission.

During his remission he was employed by the City of Ely Public Works Dept. and very much enjoyed his co-workers and working in the Ely community.

John was an avid sports fan, whether it be a Twins or Vikings game or watching the games of whatever his nieces, nephews or godchildren were involved in at the time. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, excelled at bowling and loved playing cards with family and friends. John was an excellent craftsman. There was nothing he couldn’t do or figure out how to do.  His strong work ethic wouldn’t allow him to quit until the job was perfectly  finished. He built many treasured family heirlooms. His latest accomplishment was to completely renovate  an apartment for his parents to live in.

John was always the first to step up and lend a hand to anyone in need.    

John is survived by his wife Robin, his parents Bill and Georgia Braun, his mother-in law Helen Huovinen of Ely. Also surviving are his siblings Mary Carol (Chris) Peterson of Florida, Tom (Debi) Braun of Oregon, Mike (Chris) Braun of Ely, Cindy Kuhar of Mpls., Beth (Kelly) Patterson of Oklahoma, Cecilia (Randy) Bennett of Wisconsin, Peter (Karen) Braun of Wisconsin and Cathy Braun also of Ely. John is also survived by his brother-in-law Mike (March) Doran of TN and sister-in-law Ann (Jeff) Reese of Kentucky, foreign exchange sister Diana Butterworth of Paraquay and by many very loved nieces, nephews and godchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father-in-law Mike Doran and step father-in-law George Huovinen, his brother Billy Braun and infant sister Margaret Mary Braun, brother-in-law Frank Kuhar, nephews Adam Walsh and Mikey Reese and his niece Nicole Ivancich.

Services will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church on Friday, July 14, 2023 with visitation at 10:00 a.m., a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. with burial and lunch to follow while John’s family is in Ely for the Braun family’s annual Christmas celebration in July.

Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

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