1 Upcoming Event
Burial
JAN
16
Friday, January 16, 2026
Starts at 2:30 pm
Great Lakes National Cemetery
4200 Belford Road, Holly, MI 48442
Dennis Harlow Braun, 75, of Pleasant Ridge, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 1st, 2026, after a five-year battle with cancer. He was born on January 26th, 1950 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the first of six children born to Carol McConnell.
Dennis attended high school in Grand Blanc, Michigan when, at just 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. By the age of 20, he had served his country during the Vietnam war and received an honorable discharge. His life's journey took many turns - from his time in the Marines to working a decade at General Motors in Flint MI, to attending Chiropractic College in GA and then eventually retiring from Lockheed Martin after 28 years.
In 1979, Dennis married Cindy Chestler, his wife of 46 years, who remained his best friend through every chapter of their life together. Dennis and Cindy moved from Michigan to Georgia, where they lived for nearly four decades and where their daughter, Ciara, was born. Dennis' devotion to Cindy and Ciara was evident in everything he did, showing his love through sacrifice and unwavering support. The couple returned to Michigan in 2020 to be closer to family.
After retiring at 62, Dennis dedicated himself to home projects, caring for his family, and exploring his love of learning. He had a bright intellect and an endless thirst for knowledge. He was drawn to spiritual concepts and the deeper questions of life, always learning through study groups, books, podcasts, and the technology he eagerly embraced. His creativity showed itself in hand-drawn cards, artwork, and thoughtful gestures that delighted those close to him.
What set Dennis apart was his generous heart and unwavering principles. He was reliable, honest, and someone you could always count on. Despite his difficult childhood, he remained kind and wanted to make sure no one felt forgotten - Even during his illness, Dennis treated everyone involved in his care with remarkable kindness and patience.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Carol McConnell, and his brother, James Autry. He is survived by his beloved wife, Cindy and daughter, Ciara (Matthieu); his sisters, Denise Autry and Beth Brown (Jon) and brothers Kennedy McConnell and Kelly McConnell; and many nieces and nephews.
Those who knew Dennis knew a man of integrity, creativity, and deep compassion - someone who showed his love through sacrifice and who, despite everything, never stopped believing in the good in people. He will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life will take place on January 16, 2026. Details can be obtained by contacting the family. A military service will be held at Great Lakes National Cemetery Holly, Michigan, at 2:30 PM on Friday, January 16, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Dennis by extending a kindness to someone in need.
Dennis attended high school in Grand Blanc, Michigan when, at just 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. By the age of 20, he had served his country during the Vietnam war and received an honorable discharge. His life's journey took many turns - from his time in the Marines to working a decade at General Motors in Flint MI, to attending Chiropractic College in GA and then eventually retiring from Lockheed Martin after 28 years.
In 1979, Dennis married Cindy Chestler, his wife of 46 years, who remained his best friend through every chapter of their life together. Dennis and Cindy moved from Michigan to Georgia, where they lived for nearly four decades and where their daughter, Ciara, was born. Dennis' devotion to Cindy and Ciara was evident in everything he did, showing his love through sacrifice and unwavering support. The couple returned to Michigan in 2020 to be closer to family.
After retiring at 62, Dennis dedicated himself to home projects, caring for his family, and exploring his love of learning. He had a bright intellect and an endless thirst for knowledge. He was drawn to spiritual concepts and the deeper questions of life, always learning through study groups, books, podcasts, and the technology he eagerly embraced. His creativity showed itself in hand-drawn cards, artwork, and thoughtful gestures that delighted those close to him.
What set Dennis apart was his generous heart and unwavering principles. He was reliable, honest, and someone you could always count on. Despite his difficult childhood, he remained kind and wanted to make sure no one felt forgotten - Even during his illness, Dennis treated everyone involved in his care with remarkable kindness and patience.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Carol McConnell, and his brother, James Autry. He is survived by his beloved wife, Cindy and daughter, Ciara (Matthieu); his sisters, Denise Autry and Beth Brown (Jon) and brothers Kennedy McConnell and Kelly McConnell; and many nieces and nephews.
Those who knew Dennis knew a man of integrity, creativity, and deep compassion - someone who showed his love through sacrifice and who, despite everything, never stopped believing in the good in people. He will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life will take place on January 16, 2026. Details can be obtained by contacting the family. A military service will be held at Great Lakes National Cemetery Holly, Michigan, at 2:30 PM on Friday, January 16, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Dennis by extending a kindness to someone in need.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dennis Harlow Braun, please visit our flower store.
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