Jake Braun

Jake Braun, age 94, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 30, 2021 at his home in Swift Current, SK surrounded by his wife of 72 years and their children.

Jake was born on January 5, 1927 near the village of Turnhill, SK. His school years began in Turnhill, where he attended grades 1 – 3. He attended grades 4 – 8 at Capeland School, grades 9 – 12 at Main Centre School. Jake was very good at math and would often comment on the fact that he got 100% on his grade 12 math exam. Jake recalled that school years always ended with a picnic. Students from the fourteen schools in the area would gather in Main Centre for a big wind-up event.

One of Jake’s earliest memories was going with his dad to church as his father did the maintenance there. He attended Sunday School regularly and later, he was involved in church social activities and especially enjoyed the choir, which became a priority in his life. Jake was baptized in the Saskatchewan River and joined the Main Centre Mennonite Brethren Church. This made his commitment to the church very meaningful.

It was at church where he met the love of his life, Frieda Block. They were married on August 29, 1948. When he began courting Frieda, he travelled by horse to visit her at the Block farm. Two years later he bought a car — a Ford Model A Coupe.

In recalling events on the farm, Jake said that his dad switched from horses to tractor when he was 2 or 3. When he was 5, his dad got their first car. During his teen years he stooked for $7 a day.

But Jake was not a farmer. He was a salesman and an entrepreneur. One of his first jobs was selling cookware. His selling skills awarded him a TV, which was of no use to the family since Swift Current did not have a television station at the time. He also won an outboard motor, which was sold because we didn't have a boat. Jake owned, operated, or was a partner in many businesses over the years. One of his first enterprises was a light delivery business which developed into a moving and storage company — R.J Van Lines — a company he operated for 22 years. He was also a partner in a mobile canteen, a bakery, a restaurant, a local sod farm, and a seven-bay car wash where they sold Esso gas for $.19 cents a litre. In his later years, he sold real estate and brought the Century 21 Franchise to Swift Current.

Near the end, as Jake reflected on his life, it was his faith and the church that were most important. He was throughout his life a member and supporter of the local Mennonite Brethren church where he served as a Board member and a Deacon. 

Jake is survived by his wife, Frieda; his son, Roger (Susan) and daughter, Patricia Pierson; three grandchildren, Douglas Hiatt, Michelle Kucharew, and Clea Eloise; six great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

The Funeral Service for Jake Braun was held on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 2:00 pm from Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Nick Kimpinski officiating. “In the Rifted Rock I’m Resting,” “What a Day that Will Be,” and “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” were sung by the congregation. Special music was brought by Kerry & Sheila Braun, Leanne McConnell, and Darrell Bueckert, who sang “I Want to Stroll Over Heaven With You” and a recording of “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” by the Braun Trio was played. The obituary was read by Roger Braun.

The service can be viewed here

In memory of Jake Braun, donations made to West Bank Bible Camp and Gideons International would be appreciated by the family.

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