John was born in Osterwick, Ukraine, during the turbulent years following the Russian Revolution. Despite the many challenges of his early life, he fondly recalled running through the lush gardens and orchards of his village and swimming in the local reservoir.

After relocating to Germany, John worked as a farm laborer before immigrating to Canada in 1948. He initially settled in Hepburn, Saskatchewan, and moved to the Coaldale area in 1949. A skilled and honest mechanic, John built a respected career in his trade. In 1958, he married Mary, and the couple moved to Kelowna, where their son Ed was born. Drawn by the closeness of family, they returned to Coaldale, where they welcomed their daughter, Lawona.

John was a man of industrious spirit, often found tinkering in his garage or tending to his garden. The family enjoyed annual camping trips throughout Western Canada and the Northwestern United States. John and Mary were also regular attendees of the Kimberley Accordion Festival and frequent visitors to Fairmont Hot Springs.

John is lovingly remembered by his wife, Mary Braun; son, Ed Braun; daughter and son-in-law, Lawona and Gary Power; grandson, Sean Power (Faith Pardell); granddaughter, Kathleen Power (Max Marko); brother, Jake Braun; sister, Elizabeth Klassen; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Karl Heinz Richter; sister-in-law, Edna Neufeld; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was predeceased by his parents, Johann and Maria Braun; sisters, Mary Klassen and Helen Kampen; brothers, William and Dietrich Braun; sisters-in-law, Anna Quiring and Gertrude Braun; brothers-in-law, Peter Ewert, Walter Quiring, Jake Kampen, Dave Klassen, and John Klassen; and niece, Mary Hewitt.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers who brought joy to John’s days in recent months: Darlene, Avery, Tracy, April, Agatha, Lucy, Regina, Valerie, and Lorri. Special appreciation also goes to Dr. Justin Steed and his team for their compassionate care, and to Amelia Braun, Home Care Case Manager, for her invaluable support.

John will be laid to rest in the Mennonite Section of the Coaldale Cemetery. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring your own father or grandfather by taking him out for lunch.