Ken Braun
Ken Braun (82), beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 3, 2026. He was born to Arnold and Evelyn (née Wirth) Braun on March 20, 1944, and grew up in the community of St. Joe, WI. He spent his childhood working on the family farm while attending St. Joe Catholic School before graduating from New Holstein High School. As the youngest of five children, he shared a close bond with his siblings: Bernice Wagner (Benno), Mae Lefeber (Joe), Janet Weber (Gene) and Allan Braun (Janice).
On May 17, 1969, Ken married his partner for life Mary Leonard at Saint Michael’s Catholic Church in Dotyville, WI. Together they built a life rooted in family, hard work, and faith. Ken farmed alongside his brother Allan while also working at Galloway West (later Saputo) dairy plant in Fond du Lac.
Ken’s life centered around his family. With Mary he raised a busy house of 5 children: Kristin (Coral) Braun, Kari (Mark) Wisinski, Michael (Amy) Braun, Mark Braun, and Courtney (Nate) Wack, who all learned to bail hay, pick stones and play sheepshead. Family vacations often meant road trips, cottages, and homemade snacks packed for the journey. Ken also patiently coached youth softball at St. Cloud, taking pride in teaching the importance of sportsmanship and the game’s fundamentals. As his children grew up, he was proud to see them establish their own careers and families. Retirement gave Ken and Mary the opportunity to travel, spend time with friends, and enjoy life’s many celebrations. Ken always enjoyed a good party! Cheering on the Packers, Badgers and Brewers brought Ken great joy (usually). Some of Ken’s happiest days were spent at home, working alongside Mary in the garden, caring for their beautiful yard, or finding an ingenious solution to whatever household project was at hand.
Although not one to brag about himself, he was incredibly proud of each of his grandchildren: Esther (Kristin); Caden, Alina, Mason (Kari); Isla, Rowan (Mark); Xander, Kennedy, and Emerson (Courtney). His greatest happiness came simply from being present for the moments that mattered most in their lives- whether it was watching them ace a serve, dance in a competition, swim a race, throw a strike, draw a portrait, love their pets, score a goal, and grow as individuals.
Ken is further survived by his in-laws, Janice Braun, Mary Ann Leonard, Edward and Debbie Leonard, and Alexander and Carol Leonard.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Evelyn Braun; his siblings, Allan Braun, Bernice Wagner, Mae Lefeber and Janet Weber; Mary’s parents, Kathryn and Alexander Leonard, and Mary’s siblings, Eugene Leonard and JoAnn Schrage.
In addition, there have been many other extended family members and good friends that have either preceded or survived Ken, with whom he enjoyed spending time with throughout his life.
The family extends our gratitude to Dr. Rakho and the UW Health Cardiology team, Dr. Brenda Grass of SSM Health for their years of compassionate care, to the EMS team for their care on July 3rd, and our local community for friendship and support over the years.
In lieu of flowers, a future donation will be made to an organization meaningful to the Ken Braun family.
SERVICES: Ken’s family invites relatives and friends for a time of visitation on Wednesday, July 15th at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Our Lady of the Holyland Parish, in St. Joe starting at 10:00 a.m. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Noon. Burial will follow in the Parish Cemetery.
Online condolences can be shared at zacherlfuneralhome.com.