Francis L. Braun, age 91, passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 in West Bend. He was born December 11, 1926 to Alphonse and Cathrine (nee Flasch) Braun. Francis was a Staff Sergeant in the US Army during WWII serving in the Pacific Theater, and was part of the liberating force with Gen McArthur when he returned to the Philippines. He married the love of his life, Lorraine Heinecke on June 24, 1950 (passed away November 1, 2012). They celebrated 62 years of marriage prior to Lorraine's death. He provided for his family with employment by Gehl Manufacturing Company (Plant Superintendent), retired in 1990 after over 40 years of employment. He was a member of the Gehl Hexelbank Retirement Club. Also member of the VFW Post #1393; St. Joseph's Society; Moose Lodge # 1398.

His greatest joy was raising his six children with Lorraine and watching with pride as their lives blossomed with their accomplishments, spouses, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He and his family enjoyed many, many family events and created a special closeness and forever memories at his Shawano Lake 'cottage'. His garden was his showplace – already looking at the seed catalog for this coming year.

He is survived by his cherished children, Chris (Mark) Zelinski, Steve (Renee) Braun, Ken (Joyce) Braun, Tom (Margie) Braun, Carrie (Al) Ludin, Lauri (Ken) Simon; beloved grandchildren, Jenny (Pete) Smith, Jessica (Adam) Collins, Melissa (Nick) Stark, Becky Braun, Paula (Troy) Patterson, Kevin (Amanda) Braun, Catherine (Justin) Wendt, Julie (Jerimia) Paluch, Anna (Bernie) Booth, Jacob (Kelly) Braun, Matthew (Renae) Braun, Hilary (John) Fry, Amy (James) Gentry, Rachel (AJ) Emanuele, Tracy (Daniel) Richardson, and Dean (Betsy) Simon; dear great-grandchildren, Zack, Jacie, Maddy, Bryanna, Hannah, Nolan, Jordan, Leah, Gabriel, Autumn, Trinity, Korbin, Cian, Zoe, Lily, Sully, Nolan, Taylor, Will, Ada, Frances, Julia, Jake, Hudson, Leyna, Alex, Levi, Dax, Edi, Emma and two arriving early 2018; He is further survived by a brother, two sisters, nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 6:00 pm on Monday, January 8, 2018 at St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (406 Jefferson St, West Bend, WI 53090) Fr. Nathan Reesman presiding. The visitation will be held at church on Monday, January 8th from 4:00 until 6:00. Interment will take place at (new) St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to St. Mary's Church.