Obituary for Eberhard O. Braun

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To Eddie's Family...especially Kirsten, Regina, Marcus and Claudia... I don't know if you remember me...my name is Michele , and I was married to Mike Marcotte. Mike called me and told me of Eddie's passing, and I was greatly saddened. He was such an amazing person, and I will treasure the memories I have of him for my lifetime. I think back fondly of the time spent with he and Gisela...how they would argue in German...and how even through the "fights" you could see their intense love for one another. I haven't talked to Eddie in several years, but his voice still rings in my head repeating so many nuggets of wisdom that he shared with me. I can see him now, holding court in Heaven, teaching the angels a thing or two! May God hold you all close during this time, and may He welcome Eddie with open arms and a warm smile. God Bless you all. With love and prayers, Michele Wiedmann

Eberhard (or Mr. Braun as I knew him) was very close with my mother's side of my family when I was just a kid as they were both first generation German (and quite proud as I recall). The Braun's lived right across the street from us for years. Marcus and I were friends and went to the same school as well. To the best of my recollection, Eberhard was a massive, powerful, hard-nosed, handsome, dignified yet gregarious man. I last saw him at a mutual friend's wedding only a couple years ago. It was actually a thrill to see him again. He looked great, was so happy and so incredibly charming but not so massive as I recall (but I was around 5 at the time). I still have photos of our neighborhood backyard parties to this day and remember his smile. IF HE LIKED YOU, HE LOVED YOU and though he appeared to rule with an iron fist, I grew to respect him and appreciate him as I got older. He seemed to know who he was and that is RARE! I'm proud to have known him and I feel I'll carry a little bit of him with with me as he made a permanent positive imprint on me for the rest of my life. I'll miss you Mr. Braun, Marcus Knodle

To my best friend Kerstin, her sisters Regina and Claudia and her brother Marcus. My deepest sympathy and love to you all on the passing of your father. Your father and I never really talked much till your mother passed away. I went to visit him at that time and he held my hand and we talked about a lot of things. Your father did not mince words and was a very wise man. May God keep you all in his loving embrace and may you take comfort in knowing that your mom and dad are together again in heaven. Love Keitha

Ed was our neighbor when the kids were growing up. HIs son Marcus and my son Marcus were in the same class at Linn-mar. His youngest daughter Claudia and my daughter Pamela were also about the same age and friends. I remember Eddie as a gruff appearing person but having a big heart. He would go out of his way to make you feel at ease. We had several parties in the neightborhood and when it was his turn he was a great host. His German brough was sometimes hard to understand but he always had stories to tell, and maybe a joke or two.

I was 15 years old when I first met Eddie while working at Fareway. He was a weekly shopper and would always stop to talk to me in the produce department. When I was almost 18 and still with the company, Eddie gave me the advice that to this day has always classified him as a mentor to me. "Your back is worth minimum wage Nick. Your mind is worth a million dollars." Since then, I am now in school and a year away from my BA in Business Management and Marketing, am the Asst. Jewelry Manager at Younkers, and have recently purchased my first rental property. We had talked on the phone several times over the last few years and even though I saw Eddie about a month before he died, I will always miss not getting that last chance for coffee and a good talk. I saw and always will see Eberhard Braun as a cherished friend and mentor. If it weren't for his words of wisdom, life experience, and outspoken personality, I don't know where I'd be today. Even my father who only spoke with Eddie on the phone once for a couple of hours regrets not knowing him better. Please keep in touch as I will always be willing to hear and share memories of Eddie with you. 319-361-7711. You are all in my prayers and I will never forget my good friend and mentor Eddie Braun.

I Miss you Dad. I am Headed to the Farm you grew up on in a couple of weeks when I get a break from work in Wiesbden (Germany) M

The Downey's and the Braun's have been neighbors since the mid 1960's. Growing up Ed, Gisela and Marcus were a large part of my world. The experiences shared are too numerous to count. Suffice it to say they were always very hospitable and fun neighbors. To my friend, Marcus, I extend my sincere sympathy on your father passing. Ed was a good man who took a sincere interest in the well being of others. What an amazing life he lived -- some of the stories he had were truly remarkable. I learned some very interesting things about Europe and WWII from Ed. Priceless stories indeed. I'll never forget those intelligent, piercing, blue eyes. You could just see the wheels turning when you spoke with Eddie. God bless Ed, and god bless to your family. David Downey

To Eddie's Family I'm sorry for your loss I've know Eddie for over forty years and what a good person he was. When I was a milkman he bought milk from me and then when I became a stockbroker he bought stocks from me. He was fun to talk to and he was always wanting to learn more by reading any book he could find. His first wife was in my wifes doll club and they had lots of fun together. We all will miss him. He just called me on June 27th to wish me a Happy Birthday and he did that every year. He was having trouble breathing them and said he wasn't afraid to die that he knew he didn't have much time left on this earth. Well goodbye Eddie we all love you. God Bless your Family from Lyle-Nancy Primrose