Service Details
A memorial service, celebrating the life of Fr. James R. Braun, will be held at 2:00 p.m. in St. Matthew Episcopal Church, 5900 7th Avenue, Kenosha, with Bishop Jeffrey D. Lee, Provisional Bishop for the Diocese of Milwaukee, officiating.
PLEASE FOLLOW THE CDC RECOMMENDATIONS AND WEAR A MASK REGARDLESS OF YOUR VACCINATION STATUS, WHEN ATTENDING THE SERVICE. Currently, Kenosha County has a high level of public transmission of the Covid-19 virus. The service will be lived streamed at this link. https://youtu.be/-rSTasyJ8mA
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials to St. Matthew’s Church, 5900 7th Ave., Kenosha, 53140 or St. Michael’s Church, 4701 Erie Street, Racine, 53402.
The Rev. Canon James (Jim) R. Braun, age 71, passed to eternal life Friday, Jan.1, 2021.
Born in Racine to Jerome and Dorothy (Konrad) Braun, Jim graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Parkside in 1971, and Nashotah House Theological Seminary in 1974. An Episcopal priest, after serving a year at Grace Church in Madison, he served for 36 years at St. Matthew’s in Kenosha, retiring in 2011. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, gardener, camper, biker, and cook who greatly valued sharing time and activities with family and friends.
Jim will be dearly missed by his wife Karen (nee Killingstad), son Joseph, daughter Katherine, son-in-law Lavar, granddaughter Anna, and sister-in-law Jeri. Cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive him. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Thomas (Jeri).
Lynn Heller, Parish Nurse St. Matthews says
We at St. Matthews have greatly missed Jim. All of my elderly clients are saddened and send their best wishes to Karen.
Beau Bosovich says
Fr. Jim Braun was with our team teaching classes for the Wisconsin Hunter Education Program held at St. Matthew’s for many years. He had a considerable knowledge of safe hunting. Jim was always one of the guys with his sense of humor, being straightforward and always a gentleman. The Southport Masters Gun Club Hunter Education Team along with Diane and I will miss him.
John Powilaites says
I was so sorry to hear about this, my sympathies go out to Karen & family.
Tom & Irene Gram says
We are so sorry about your loss. Jim was such a humble, great man and it was an honor to know him. I always enjoyed talking with him and his smile was always uplifting. We wish you peace during this difficult time. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chuck Grapentine says
A most wonderful, intelligent and thoughtful friend. So sad.
Jill Zimmerman says
My daughter Elizabeth and I were neighbors of the Braun family for many years. I fondly remember Fr. Braun’s friendliness and humor.
His beautiful flower beds were rivaled in color only by the tie-dyed t-shirts he wore during the annual Superweek International Cycling races at Library Park.
He was a great neighbor. My deepest sympathy to Karen and Katherine and Joe. He will be missed.
Helen Bates says
Praying with you that God be with the family during this sad time.. Knowing he is in Heaven with God can give us peace in time. Grandma Helen Bates
Bradshaw Family says
Please know our loving thoughts embrace you each and every day. Wishing you comfort and peace in the days ahead. Love Richard & Trudi
Maria Kotz Powell says
Father Braun and his family were my neighbors years ago. I remember coming home from work one night to find Father Braun and my father on my doorstep. My cat had jumped on the stove and turned on the gas. Father Braun noticed the smell and called my dad and 911. Once the fire department had given the ok, he helped my father open all my windows and clear the house out. This was one of many times that Father Braun showed care and concern for me and other neighbors. He was a friendly, intelligent, and thoughtful man – the type our world could use more of. My deepest sympathies to Mrs. Braun and his children.
The Felix family says
May the fond memories you hold in your heart provide comfort to the family during this time.
Love,
Fausto and Sheila
Kelly Parker says
I was a neighbor with the Braun family for years very nice folks Father Braun was a great man my sympathies to Karen and the children he will be missed.
Ravin Riutta says
I’m very lucky to have known Father Braun for many years. That’s what he said about me on the day of my wedding. I’m certain God guided me to his family as a child and my life turned out so much better for it. Babysitting in the nursery during Sunday services, getting to go camping, and every blessed Christmas Eve are some of my most treasured memories. I’ll never forget his beautiful voice. My heart goes out to all who feel this great loss. The love that he and Karen showed me was possible has shaped who I am and changed me forever, and that’s how long I will miss him.
Barbara Klauber says
The Diocese of Milwaukee is certainly the poorer for Fr. Braun’s loss. He was one of the very, very best . . . in the 35 years I have worked at the diocesan office, he was always for me a model of what a parish priest should be.
My sympathy to Fr. Braun’s wife, Karen, his children and all his family.
Marsha and Steve Krzyzanowski says
So sadden to hear of Father Braun’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers for Karen, Joe and Katie and their families. We cherished their friendships during our 26 years as members of St. Matthews . And we have thought of them often since Fr. Braun’s retirement. May your memories comfort you through this devastating time.