Charles J . "Charlie" Braun, 86, a resident of Centralia for the past 4 years, died March 28, 2005 at his home in Centralia.
He was born March 31, 1918 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin to Charles Phillip and Sarah Fetzner Braun. He was reared and attended schools in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Following his graduation he enlisted in the U .S. Navy and served during W.W. II in the Pacific Theatre. Following his discharge from the Navy he returned to Rochester, Minnesota. The family lived in various places in the Midwest, where he founded several companies. He was an Industrial Pattern Maker by trade.
In 1972 he founded Braun Industries and began manufacturing ambulances in Ohio. He retired in 2000 and moved to Arizona for a short time before moving to Centralia.
He and his wife, Ione enjoyed traveling in their motor home. Even in retirement Charlie still enjoyed working.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Ione Braun at home in Centralia; 3 sons & their spouses: Phillip & Charma Braun of Van Wert, OH, Jack & Linda Bruan of Chehalis, Chuck & Janet Bruan of Canby, OR; 2 daughters & their spouses: Diane & Tom Schiefer of Delta, CO, Barbara & Peter Bronson of Tiffin, OH; 1 niece & 1 nephew, both of Three Lakes, WI; 16 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.
Private Funeral Services will be held at Sticklin Funeral Chapel.
