Michael Braunstein

Braunstein Michael Braunstein, 67, of Columbus, Ohio, died at his home on Saturday, June 15, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Michael was a loving husband, father and grandfather, an inventor, humorist, songwriter, and serial entrepreneur. Michael was born in Wooster, Ohio on September 22, 1945 to Carl and Sara Braunstein. Although born with a clubfoot, his drive, zest for life and love of music surpassed his disability and he was selected as drum major with the Wooster High School marching band in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Michael also excelled in high school as a member of the debate team, and he achieved national recognition as a champion debater. Michael graduated from Northwestern University in 1967 and from Harvard Business School in 1970. He first became an entrepreneur at age 19, when he launched a paper flower company that counted Neiman Marcus and Avis Rental Cars as clients. While at Harvard, he expanded the company into American Academic Environment which offered a complete catalog of wholesale fashion and accessory items. Upon returning to Ohio, he became a real estate syndicator and developer. In 1974, he founded Provident United Inc., a multi-family and retail property management company as well as the search firm Columbus Preferred Apartments and the distinguished landscaping company, ImageScapes. In 1993, he developed Lane Woods Preserve, an 80 acre residential community across from Scioto Country Club which celebrates Colonial Revival American architecture. An avid golfer, he was a member of Scioto Country Club for over thirty years and the Muirfield Village Golf Club for over twenty. He wrote several humorous books including House Fever, a homeowners real estate guide published by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich in 1980. Michael's passion for bringing delight to others led to countless inventions, most notably a line of lawn mowers and home furniture which adhered to a design principle he coined as "funny functionalism." His infectious smile will be missed by his surviving family-wife, Suzanne; children, Jordan (Brooke), and Whitney; grandchildren, Simone and Calvin (whom he loved to spoil); and sister, Carole Brown of Tucson, AZ. A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held at Muirfield Village Golf Club, 5750 Memorial Dr. on Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to continue his support of Dr. Ignacio Ponseti's pioneering work for the treatment of clubfeet at the Ponseti International Association at the University of Iowa. www.ponseti.info or Ponseti International Association, University of Iowa Foundation, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, Iowa 52244-4550. Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Rd. Michael would have wanted everyone to celebrate life and life at its absurdities, as he did every day.