Thomas P. Braunger

Thomas (Tom) P Braunger, age 79, of Waunakee, WI, passed away peacefully in his home on October 26, 2021.  He was born on April 30, 1942, in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of Max and Mary Catherine (Dyer) Braunger and was the eldest of 9 children.  Tom grew up in Sioux City and had many adventures with his friends, siblings, and cousins - these were adventures that he later regaled to his students.  He married the love of his life, Lujean Pohlmeier, on July 6, 1968, in Hutchinson, MN.

Tom graduated from Heelan High School in Sioux City, Iowa in 1960.  He earned his Bachelor's degree from University of South Dakota and his Master’s degree from Northeast Missouri State College. Tom and Lujean, and their young family, moved from Iowa to Waunakee, WI in 1974 and he taught English at Waunakee High School for the next 25 years, until 1999. While teaching there, he served as the Yearbook Advisor and spent several years as President of the Teachers Union as well as being part of the negotiating team for the Waunakee Teachers Association. After retirement, he became involved with the Winnequah Gun Club as President and later Treasure.

Tom loved his wife, kids, and grandchildren very much. He was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling and investments.  He had a great, dry sense of humor and frequently exchanged witty remarks with his students.  He used his flair for writing in two self-published books, “Meat Market for the Soul: Life Lessons from the Butcher Shop” and “Profound Learning Experiences: Tales of an English Teacher.”

Survivors include his daughter, Mary Drucker (Alex) of Madison WI; son, Dave Braunger (Patty) of Minneapolis MN; 4 grandchildren, Chelsea, Devrah, James, and Alexis; brothers, John (Jane) of Portland OR, Mark (Mickey) of Mesa AZ, and Ed (Barb) of Mesa AZ; sisters, Mary Beth of Sioux City IA, Patti of Portland OR, Molli (Rob) Mahon of Sioux City IA, and sister-in-law, Pat of Iowa City IA; and numerous brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lujean Braunger; parents, Max and Mary Catherine Braunger; step-mother, Sundae Braunger; brothers Jim and Mike Braunger; and sister-in-law Florine Koning.

A Celebration of His Life will be held on Saturday, November 13, at Holy Wisdom Monastery, 4200 Co Hwy M, Middleton, WI. Visitation will start at 9am followed by a mass at 10am.  There will be a luncheon after mass in the dining hall.  People are welcome to speak and share their memories about Tom during the luncheon.

For those not able to attend the service, a recording will be available for viewing following the service at www.cressfuneralservice.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating money to the Waunakee Food Pantry in memory of Tom.

Tom’s family would like to extend a very special thank you to Anna and her fantastic staff at “Right at Home” in Waunakee.  With their excellent homecare service, Tom was able to remain in his home as he wanted to.

A recording of Tom's Celebration of Life will be available soon at the following link:

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=9a2ab177-4e56-4bc9-b3b6-1432b34c3e68

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Winn-Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee

(608) 849-4513