James Renil Braun

James "Jim" Braun, age 84, of Moorhead, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home in Breckenridge, Minnesota. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be served following the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Breckenridge.

Jim was born on December 14, 1941, in Breckenridge, Minnesota, to Edward and Margaret (VanHyfte) Braun. He was the youngest of three sons, joining brothers O'Dell and Jack. Jim grew up in Breckenridge, where he attended St. Mary's Catholic School. As a young man, he served as an altar boy and sang in the church choir. He enjoyed fishing, camping, water skiing, snowmobiling, and spending time with his brothers and their beloved family dog, Zip.

Following his graduation from Breckenridge High School in 1959, Jim attended the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, North Dakota, where he completed his education.

Jim met the love of his life, Joanie Bommersbach, at the Dynamite Drive-In Restaurant, where she served him food on roller skates while he arrived on his motorcycle. Their chance meeting blossomed into a lifelong love story. Jim and Joanie were united in marriage on July 7, 1962, and together they raised four children: Terry, Sandra, Sheryl, and Shelly.

Throughout his career, Jim worked for Wil-Rich, Wahpeton Canvas, and Ro-Banks as a tool and die maker. While living in Breckenridge, he was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He enjoyed pitching for the Wil-Rich softball team and, alongside Joanie, spent many evenings bowling and dancing at the Pavilion. He also worked part-time as a bartender.

In 1983, Jim and Joanie moved to Moorhead, Minnesota, where Jim joined Crary Industries in West Fargo, North Dakota. The couple later became business owners, opening Braun's Opticare in Moorhead and eventually expanding with a second location in Breckenridge. Jim worked proudly as an optician.

In 1991, they relocated to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where Jim worked for Hutchinson Technology. During their years in Sioux Falls, Jim and Joanie remained active in their church and community organizations.

After retirement, the couple moved to their family lake cabin on Eagle Lake in 2004. Jim became involved with the Battle Lake Lions Club, the Eagle Lake Association, and Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Battle Lake.

Following Joanie's passing in 2007, Jim found companionship with Marlene Lehman. Together they shared a love of travel, attending their grandchildren's activities, concerts, and sporting events.

In later years, Jim resided at Riverpointe Assisted Living and Memory Care in Moorhead. He quickly became part of the community and enjoyed visiting with fellow residents, playing bingo, and sharing songs that brought smiles to those around him.

Jim lived life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He loved birdwatching and maintained several hummingbird feeders. He enjoyed tinkering and could seemingly fix anything. Time spent on the pontoon, cruising around Eagle Lake, brought him great joy, as did gathering weekly with friends and spending time with family. Known affectionately as the "King of Fireworks," Jim looked forward each year to celebrating with increasingly larger strings of firecrackers. He was also a devoted Minnesota Vikings fan and enjoyed cheering on the NDSU Bison.

Jim will be remembered for his generous heart, warm smile, and infectious laughter. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and brought joy to countless lives. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jim is survived by his children, Terry Braun (Sue), Sandra Markel (Curt), Sheryl Hauf (Jason), and Shelly Kadoun (Jay); grandchildren, Britney (Matt), Taylor, Morgan (Grayson), Josh (Ryan), Lindsey (Colton), Connor (Taylor), Abby (Brandon), Jimmy, Jake, Braun, Hayden (Estelle), Hailee, and Kendra; great-grandchildren, Zander, Eden, Griffin, and Sundae; his brother, Jack Braun (Carolyn); special friend, Marlene Lehman; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joanie; his parents, Edward and Margaret Braun; and his brother, O'Dell Braun.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Riverpointe Assisted Living and Memory Care and HIA Hospice for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion shown to Jim throughout his journey.

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