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Hugh R. Braun ’49

Hugh Roger Braun died peacefully on Saturday morning, February 28, 2015 with his wife Joan and their children at his side.

The son of Albert and Florence (Brady) Braun was born in Athens, WI on May 2, 1931, the youngest of five children. He lived a happy childhood in the small community outside Wausau, WI.

Hugh spent his high school years at St. John’s Prep School in Collegeville, MN where his deep faith was firmly formed and became the template for a life well lived. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, holding a degree in Philosophy; and graduated in the class of 1956 from the University of Michigan Law School.

Directly following Law School Hugh began his military service. He served in the US Air Force as a JAG officer stationed briefly in Hawaii and then in Japan. Completing active duty he came to Milwaukee where his military service continued for an additional 18 years as Commander of his local reserve unit. He retired as a full Colonel in the United States Air Force Reserve.

His law career began with Milwaukee County as an Assistant Corporation Counsel. He has been in private practice since 1967. He is a partner in the law firm of Godfrey, Braun and Frazier. Hugh has acted as principal counsel in 42 reported cases in the Court of Appeals of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Hugh was passionate about many things and in the way he served his community beginning in the Washington Heights neighborhood where his family has resided for over fifty years. At St. Sebastian’s he served in roles on the Parish Council as Member and President, and as a Parish Trustee. He was instrumental in the creation of the St. Sebastian School Foundation, providing for the long term support of the school. Other Boards include the Cathedral Center, The Wisconsin Club, Milwaukee Rotary. He served as President of the Western Racquet Club and the St. Thomas More Lawyer’s Society; he dedicated many years to the Harambee School Development Corporation. He currently was serving as President-elect of the Senior Lawyers Division of the Wisconsin Bar Association. For many years he was a Director of the Mitchell Bank. He was dedicated in many ways to the activities of the German Societies located at the Bavarian Inn.

Hugh is survived by his spouse and soulmate of 53 years Joan (Haering) Braun, their children Jeanne Marie Braun, Bill (Sharon) Braun and Barbara (Charles) Cashman and their “Columbian “son” Father Hugo Londono; grandchildren Billy and David Braun, Kendra and Eric Cashman, Justin and Ashley Hodowanic. He is further survived by brother Mark Braun (Chicago), Bob (Gwen) Braun (Manitowoc), Sister Jeanne Marie Braun (Merrill, WI), Sister-in-law Marion Braun (wife of deceased brother Jim), Sister-in-law Dianne (Richard) Tarcin, brother-in-law Tom (Marlene) Haering. His many wonderful nieces and nephews brought him great joy as well as the children and friends of the neighborhood.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM on Saturday, March 7, 2015, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 812 N. Jackson Street, Milwaukee. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated immediately following at NOON.

Memorials in Hugh’s name may be made to the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist – Special Project will be appreciated.

http://www.feerickfuneralhome.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/14932/id/2992525