EDWARD J. BRAUNER JR.

EDWARD J. BRAUNER JR.

     Edward J. Brauner Jr. died in his sleep at home Oct. 9, 2024, at the age of 91. Edward was born March 26, 1933, in rural Black River Falls.

     He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Vione S. Brauner, his three children, David of Broadhead, WI, Daniel of Black River Falls, WI, and Douglas of Madison, WI; his two younger brothers, Michael of Black River Falls and Eugene of Minnesota/India. 

     Edward is also survived by his brother-in-law, Virgil Anderson and his wife Barbara and sister-in-law Sharon Johnson, both of Black River Falls, as well as eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

     He is predeceased by his father, Edward J. Brauner Sr., and his mother Emily; his parents-in-law, Oscar and Edna Anderson; his youngest brother, John; and his great-grandson, Ryland Brauner. 

     Edward graduated from the Black River Falls High School in 1951. He was married June 1, 1953, to Vione S. Anderson at the Black River Falls United Methodist Church.

     In early 1954 or 1955, Edward farmed the land that is currently occupied by State Farm Insurance and other surrounding businesses.

     Edward worked for the Wisconsin Conservation Department for the State of Wisconsin (currently the DNR), for 29 years as a forest firefighter (forest ranger), part-time game warden, as well as a state park ranger.

     He and his wife lived in Waupaca, WI, and Spring Green, WI, before moving back to Black River Falls in 1981, where he finished his career with the State of Wisconsin and retired in October of 1984.

     Edward enjoyed fishing, playing card games, reading, and watching the Green Bay Packers.

     Edward built the house he and Vione shared with trees cut from his own land.

     A funeral service will be held Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at the Black River Falls United Methodist Church. Prior to the service, there will be a visitation from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m., with the service to follow immediately after at 3 p.m. A luncheon will be provided.