Richard Frank "Bruno" Braun (83) of Wheeler

A time of visitation will be held 10 a.m. until noon Friday, August 18 at the Meyer Funeral Home in Dieterich. A service celebrating his life will follow with Fr. Frank Folino, OFM, officiating. Burial will be in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Dieterich, with military rites by the Jasper Post #20 American Legion. In loving memory of Bruno, memorials may be made to the Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Online condolences may be left by clicking here. 

Bruno was born July 15, 1940, at St. Anthony Hospital in Effingham, Illinois, the second child of Paul and Johanna (Koester) Braun. He attended St. Anthony Grade and High School graduating with the Class of 1958. During high school he worked at Stephens Grocery Store. After high school he enlisted in the United States Navy. After his honorable discharge in 1962, Bruno returned to Effingham.

Bruno was very proud of his service in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1962.  His ship was the USS Mitscher (DL-2), and he traveled the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and the Panama Canal. The ship became the operational flagship of Commander Destroyer Flotilla Six.  In 1961 it departed on a six-month tour with the US 6th fleet. Stories he told were  about the Bay of Pigs and the Vatican in Rome and some Swiss Guards. One naval event that was remembered is his participation in a long-standing tradition among sailors on U.S. Navy ships when they cross the equator. Those onboard who already experienced the passage, called Shellbacks, perform an elaborate initiation of those who hadn’t crossed the equator, known as pollywogs. The ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. After crossing the equator, he passed the test that furthered his seaworthiness and became a trusty Shellback, also called  a Son of Neptune.

Bruno met his future wife at Fedders Corporation where he worked for 42 years. Bruno married Georgene (Still) King April 16, 1973.  On October 28, 1973, they welcomed the birth of their daughter Rebecca Ann “Becky” who they loved dearly. His wife Jean preceded him in death on April 28, 1987, and his daughter Becky on May 12, 2013.

Bruno was an avid outdoorsman. He always had fishing poles in his vehicle because he wanted to be ready for the next fishing adventure. In his younger days he participated in fishing tournaments and a special trip to Canada with friends. He looked forward to each hunting season including waterfowl, rabbit, squirrel, quail, pheasant, turkey, and deer. During his retirement, in addition to hunting and fishing, he also enjoyed spending time with friends at the Bait Shop. He also always looked forward to attending Trade Days with Becky, Tommy and Kate.

The family would like to thank his friends for their support of Bruno as he dealt with health issues.

Bruno is survived by his grandson Tommy Boldrey (Katie Cavazos) of Newton; sister Mary Ann Keith of Champaign; great-granddaughters Chloe and Brooklyn McGrew, great-great-grandchildren Serenity and Jovanni McGrew, niece Mary Johanna (Erik) Combs and great-nephew and niece Michael and Abigail Combs.

Bruno was preceded in death by his parents, wife Georgene, daughter Rebecca Ann “Becky” Braun, sister Paulette Braun and stepsons Mike and Chris King.