Raymond Paul Braun, 99, of Port Austin, passed away peacefully at home on December 27, 2022.  He was born on October 29, 1923 to the late Joseph and Barbara Braun in Harbor Beach, Michigan.

In 1945, Ray entered the United States Navy, serving until August 1946.  Ray married the love of his life,  Dolores O'Parka on August 26, 1950.  They celebrated 72 years together this year.

Ray worked for Bad Axe Grain Elevator at both the Harbor Beach and Port Austin locations, Fred Yaroch Asphalt, and Paper Roll Products for many years. Ray was a member of the Annunciation of the Lord Parish, serving as an usher and counting money for many years. He was a past member of the American Legion Post 499 and enjoyed placing the flags on the graves of soldiers each Memorial Day.

Always a man to lend a helping hand, Ray was the neighborhood cottage keeper during the winter months and could always be found on his tractor, plowing snow for the neighborhood or on his moped during the summer months, checking on all the town excitement. Ray never missed a 4:00pm happy hour with his friends at his home.

Ray will always be remembered as a loving husband and father, the best grandpa, a great brother, a dear friend, and the life of the party.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dolores; his four children, Bill (Diana) Braun of Romeo; Janice (Walter) Ventline of Port Austin; Diana Braun of Evansville, Indiana; Irma (Ken) Tercero of New Market, Maryland; his cherished grandchildren, Lisa Ventline, Christie (Jason) Hammelman, Lori (Wayne) Kozlowski, Bill (Brittney) Braun, Amy (DJ) Logan, Joey Tercero, Alex Tercero, Erin Wolford, Beth (Mike) Nienaltowski, Lacey Wolford & fiancé Andrew Pingitore; and his great grandchildren that brought him an abundance of joy, Tegan, Kole, & Brady Kozlowski, Emma, Leah, and Maya Hammelman, Liam, Molly, Logan, and Landon Braun, Caleb & Travis Logan, Mila, Beckett, & Reed Nienaltowski; his brother, Ken Braun of Harbor Beach; and in-laws and numerous nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends. Ray was preceded in death by one great-granddaughter, Hannah Hammelman; siblings, Theresa (Leonard) Messing, Ralph (Margaret) Braun, Wilfred Braun, Tony Braun, Roman Braun, Norman (Esther) Braun, Harry (Jean) Braun. and Orville (Pat) Braun.

Per Ray's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family burial will be held in the spring.  Arrangements through the Knoblock Funeral Home, Kinde, MI.  Raise your glass at 4:00pm in honor of Ray!