John Braun

John Braun, age 94, went peacefully to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at the Meadows, Swift Current, SK with loved ones by his side. John was born in Orenburg, Russia on January 15, 1924 to John & Helen (Friesen) Braun. When he was one year old, his parents decided to move to Canada in 1925 with their two children. They arrived in Herbert, SK and later on moved to the Turnhill area not far from Main Centre, SK, where they farmed until he was fourteen years old. John went to school in Turnhill, where he completed his grade eight education. Being the eldest son in a family of ten children, he helped his parents on the farm. John, along with his brothers, learned carpentry skills, which he expertly used throughout his work life.

During WWII — as a conscientious objector — he went to work on Ben Jahnke’s ranch, where he gained a love for music, horses, and even motorcycles. He bought a motorcycle with some of the money he had saved and, according to his youngest brother, purposefully went home to the farm to spin doughnuts and make a cloud of dust in the yard just to agitate his father. John continued to work at the ranch until the war was over, and then left home to make a life for himself. He moved to B.C. for the winter following the war, to work at a lumber mill in the Agassiz/Hope area. He came back to Main Centre, where he ended up meeting a special person in his life.

He fell in love, and married Lydia Block on September 21, 1947. They lived on a farm yard until a few years later, when they moved to old Main Centre and built a new house. At that same time, he started farming in Main Centre, and worked together with his brother Pete for several years. John & Lydia started their family with their son, Wayne, in November 1948, followed by a daughter, Angela, in June 1953, and another daughter, Michele, in May 1962. John continued to farm, and simultaneously built houses, garages, cupboards, and other projects for those who contracted his services. His father-in-law, David Block, was a construction contractor, together they enjoyed building many different structures — constructing churches, quonset’s, farm buildings, and other projects in Swift Current and area.

John was baptized in 1956 upon confession of his faith, as was Lydia, and together they joined the Main Centre MB church, where they continued to worship with their family. After twenty-eight years in the Main Centre area, they decided to move to Swift Current in 1975, where they worshiped and joined Bridgeway Community Church. In Swift Current, John bought and renovated a number of houses, which he then resold. He also built their new home, where they lived until 2000. They then moved into a senior’s condo, where they lived for twelve years.

In March 2012, John had several major strokes, and shortly thereafter was moved to the Gull Lake Special Care Centre, where he was cared for by great staff. In early January 2018, he suffered another stroke, and in mid-January was moved to the Meadows in Swift Current, where he remained until his passing. John had an amazing group of caring health staff that looked after his needs. Each day, he greeted them with a smile, and thanked them for all they did. John had a love for cowboys, rodeos — especially bull riding — riding bike — which he had to share with his brothers — and his Harley Davidson, which he drove before he was married. John & Lydia celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last September while he was still in Gull Lake.

John was predeceased by his twin great-grandchildren, Tegyn and Rylyn MacDonald (in infancy); his parents, John & Helen Braun, in the late 1960’s; and by his siblings, Henrietta (Albert) Redekop, Katie Bueckert, Henry Braun (in infancy), and Arnold Braun. John is survived by his wife of 70 years, Lydia Braun; his children, Wayne (Judith) Braun, Angela (Brian) Dunn, and Michele (Lyndon) Neustaeter; his seven grandchildren, Cameron (Lisa) Braun, Curtis (Lisa) Braun, Andrea (Sean) Huculak, Vanessa (Paul) Hernandez, Justin (Sariah) Pressacco, April (Dave) MacDonald, and Landon (Kristine) Neustaeter; his twelve great-grandchildren, Kristina, Natalie, Andrew, Ethan, Lucienne, Kathryn, Marcos, Nikolas, Aree, Lily, Caymus, and Axetin; his siblings, Sophie (George) Carleton, Peter (Leona) Braun, Jake (Frieda) Braun, Willie (Darlene) Braun, Otto (Loraine) Braun, and Hildor (Shirley) Braun; his sister-in-law, Hulda Braun; his brother-in-law, Jake Bueckert; and by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

The Celebration of Life Service for John Braun was held on Saturday, February 9, 2018 at 2:00 pm from Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Bob Cappelle officiating. The processional was “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” by Jim Reeves. “Count Your Blessings,” “Anywhere with Jesus,” God Will Take Care of You,” and “What a Day That Will Be” were sung by the congregation under the leadership of John Redekop, with Leanne McConnell, Kerry & Sheila Braun, and Barb Doerksen serving as musicians. Special music was brought by Leanne McConnell and Kerry & Sheila Braun, who sang “Knowing You’ll Be There.” The Eulogy, “I Can Only Imagine,” Mercy Me, was given by Wayne Braun. The recessional was “Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill. The ushers in the church were Dallas Braun, Jack Epp, and Gerald Voth. The Private Family Interment Service was held prior to the Celebration of Life from Memory Gardens Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with John’s Grandchildren serving as Pallbearers. In memory of John Braun, donations made to West Bank Bible Camp would be appreciated by the family. 

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