Peter Herman Braun, Jr. was born in Westphalia, Michigan on January 1, 1932 to parents Peter Herman Braun and Elenora (Fandel) Braun. He passed away in Houston, Texas on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at the age of 87.
Peter grew up in the small town of Fowler, Michigan, along with his eleven siblings. His fondest memory was helping his high school basketball team win the state championship his senior year. At the tender age of 19, Peter joined the United States Army. As a member of the 780th Artillery Battalion, he served in the Korean War from 1952-1954. He obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded the Korean Service Ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars, the National Defense Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal.
After the war, Peter married Barbara Flower of Saint Johns, Michigan and moved to Chicago where he obtained his B.S. in Civil Engineering at Chicago Tech. As his family blossomed, he enjoyed a long career in engineering until his retirement at the age of 70. Peter was a longtime member of St. Cecilia Catholic Community and an active member of the Knights of Columbus.
Peter is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara; his four daughters, Debbie and husband Seth Knight, Stephannie and husband Bob Isola, Michelle and husband Dave Corey, Lisa and husband Kevin Waller; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren, and his sister, Dolores Snitgen.
Family and friends gathered during a visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, in the chapel of Waltrip Funeral Directors in Houston, Texas, where the Rosary was recited at 6:30 p.m. The Funeral Mass was held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 4, in the sanctuary of St. Cecilia Catholic Church, also in Houston. Following a brief reception at the church, graveside services concluded at Houston National Cemetery, where military honors were rendered by members of the United States Army and Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guards.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the American Diabetes Association.
