James A. Braun

BRAUN, JAMES ALAN 

Born 06-18-1959 Died 05-05-2023

    Jim Braun, beloved husband of Wendy (Tietz), devoted father to Kevin, Scott (and father-in-law to Michelle Evert), Daniel, and Timothy; loving brother to Beth Meltz (Braun); close son-in-law to Howard Tietz; doting grandparent to Ellia and Emily; admired brother-in-law of Howard “Skip” Tietz, David Tietz (Linda Braun), Michael Tietz, and Sherry Williamson (Robert); caring dog dad to Bella, and figure to countless other relatives and friends, passed away from complications of lung cancer on May 5, 2023. He is preceded in death by his father, Donald Allen Braun, mother, Dorothy Ione (Henning) Braun, brother, Jeffrey Scott Braun, mother-in-law, Shirley (Winchester) Tietz, and family dogs Brooke and Bailey.

     Jim and Wendy met in high school, and their bond was instant. They never wavered from their commitment to each other over their 45 years together. In his personal life, he loved all Wisconsin sports, most of all the Packers and Brewers. He was deeply interested in several hobbies, such as live sports, golf, nature (he and Wendy turned their back deck and yard into a gardening and birdwatching haven), history, and particularly cooking, in which he became a self-taught restaurant-quality chef.

     After starting his career working a machine on third shift to support his young family at Menomonee Falls, WI’s Zenith Sintered Products, he worked his way up within the company to eventually be the Plant Manager. He parlayed that experience into a twenty-one year stint as both the Plant Manager and Technical Director at Federal-Mogul Waupun between 1999 and 2020. During which time, he received his company’s Global Leadership Award and also was inducted as a member into the Metal Powder Industry Foundation.

     Jim’s advice and memory will live on through all those left behind, especially his wife and children. He and his messages will forever live in their hearts. His favorite hobby was to fish, and he often said that he couldn’t wait to return to the water. We prefer to think he has.

A memorial service will be at 6:00 PM on Tuesday May 16, 2023 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 1310 Emerald Terr. Sun Prairie.   Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until the service on Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/ or to the family. To make a donation to the family, please send c/o The James Braun Family, Cress Funeral Service, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI, 53590.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054