William Braun Obituary

William F. Braun

Born: Feb. 17, 1928; in Brookfield, IL

Died: Jan. 6, 2015; in St. Charles, IL

William F. "Bill" Braun, age 86, of Geneva passed away peacefully in the early morning of Tuesday, January 6, 2015, at Pine View Care Center in St. Charles.

He was born February 17, 1928, in Brookfield, IL, the son of Matthias and Cecile (McCann) Braun.

Bill was a 65 year resident of Geneva as well as a 65 year member of First Baptist Church of Geneva. He attended Wheaton College, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Physics. Due to a part-time painting job Bill had during college, upon graduation he started his own painting and wallpapering company, Community Decorating Service. He also spent time umpiring baseball games and refereeing wrestling matches.

In the early 1960's Bill earned his master's degree and began a career in teaching in 1964 at St. Francis Academy in Wheaton, where he taught for four years. In 1968 Bill started teaching at the Geneva Junior High School (now Middle School), where he remained until his retirement in 1990. He served for several years as the president of the Teacher's Association, and was active in the National Education Association.

Bill was very active in his church and served in a variety of capacities, including choir director, church chairman, high school youth leader, and several others. But his greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. He touched many lives through his teaching career and his church activities and will be greatly missed.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Vernadine (Brewer); son, William (Jonne) Braun of Columbus, Wisconsin; daughters, Christine (Danny) Sarros of Geneva and Kathy (Bob) Cotant of Hastings, Michigan; son, Scott (Tammy) Braun, of Kershaw, South Carolina; daughter, Jennifer (Robert) Zuri of Elburn; sister, Marge; 12 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Matthias & Cecile Braun; stepmother, Estelle Braun; sisters, Charlotte and Carol; and brothers, Robert and Richard.

A visitation will be held Sunday, January 25, 2015, from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Geneva, 2300 South Street, Geneva.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to First Baptist Church of Geneva, 60134.

Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral Home 324 East State Street (Route 38), Geneva, 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.