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Ralph Braun Obituary
Ralph William Braun, Founder and CEO of The Braun Corporation, passed away Friday, February 8, 2013, in Winamac, Indiana. He was 72.
Ralph was born on December 18, 1940, to Joseph J. and Olive M. Braun in Winamac. He was a pioneer in the mobility industry, struggling with SMA from a young age. Out of a need to improve his own mobility, Braun built his first three-wheel scooter in 1962. Realizing that there were many others like him, he started his own company developing and manufacturing several mobility products. This began in 1963 when he started Save-A-Step Manufacturing. This eventually grew into The Braun Corporation in 1972. What began as a solution to his own mobility needs grew to a company that would eventually change thousands of lives. In 2006, The Braun Corporation adopted the brand name, BraunAbility for its products. Today his company has grown into a worldwide corporation, with its headquarters still based in Winamac.
In 2010, Ralph Braun released his autobiography, Rise Above. He then started The Ralph Braun Foundation as a way to assist the disabled population with purchasing mobility equipment. As a recipient of many awards and honors, Braun's recognition began in 1979, when he received the Employer of the Year Award from the Commission for the Handicapped and the Indiana State Board of Health. Since that time, he has been featured on television and in many newspaper and magazine articles for his success and drive to improve the lives of others with disabilities. In 2012, he was awarded the "Champion of Change" from The White House. He was also honored with the Support of the Guard and Reserves Patriot Award. This award is for his dedicated support and flexibility offered to employees serving in the military. Ralph's most recent award was a bronze plaque from the Adaptive Driving Alliance for being the leader and pioneer for mobility products. Braun was a life-long model airplane enthusiast and member of the Winamac Aero Modelers Club.
Ralph Braun's survivors include his wife of eight years, Melody; his children, Cherie (Paul) Braun-Diaz, Todd (Amy) Braun, Brent Braun, Drew (Lisa) Braun, Melissa (Nathan) Dennis; and eight grandchildren, Nathan and Alison Diaz, Brittney and Brady Braun, Quentin, Justin, and Caitlin Haley, Lindy Dennis, his stepchildren Aaron (Carrie) Gutwein, Anthony (Jennifer) Gutwein, Allison (Daryl) Starr, Adrienne (Nick) Vollmer; 7 stepgrandchildren; and one sister Joan Heath. Ralph was preceded in death by his father Joseph J. Braun in 1986 and mother Olive M. Freeman Braun in 2012.
Ralph was a loving father, dedicated husband and wonderful friend to many. Over the years, his involvement and donations to our community were too numerous to mention. He will be greatly missed.
Friends may call at St. Peter's Catholic Church, in Winamac, IN on Thursday, February 14 from 3 to 8 p.m. EST and on Friday, February 15 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church, in Winamac, on Saturday, February 16 at noon. Entombment will be at St. Peter's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to The Ralph Braun Foundation at P.O. Box 310, Winamac, IN 46996.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Braun
Angie Allen
March 4, 2013
So sorry to hear of the loss or Mr Braun. I greatly enjoyed his book and would have loved to meet him. Blessings to his family.
Diane Gearhart
February 24, 2013
My prayers are with all of the family. Mr. Braun was a very good person. Very smart. He will be missed. Just read his book..really enjoyed reading it and learning about all and how he did!
JoAn Stevens
February 18, 2013
Thank you Mr. Braun and God Bless the Braun family
Holly Dean
February 17, 2013
We met Ralph and Melody at the 2012 EAA convention. Myself and 2 friends had the pleasure of speaking with him for quite some time. We were all impressed with love for life. I am saddened that he has left this Earth, but know that his legacy will continue for many many generations.
Daniel
February 17, 2013
While I have never met Ralph personally, I spent a number of years working with the mobility-challenged and have seen how their quality of life improved with his products. A true pioneer, his vision will live on.
Pam Blake
February 15, 2013
My son, Chad,works for Ability Center & has always spoken highly of Mr. Braun. Ths loss of Mr. Braun will be felt by many. My prayers are with you.
Neal Brown
February 14, 2013
Todd,
Very sorry for your loss. As Joel said, the stories you told us about your father were heartfelt and gave those of us who did not know him an insight into this unique and special person. Again, my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Tess Scott
February 14, 2013
My daughter called yesterday to tell me of Mr. Braun's passing. She remembered him from her HS basketball days in the early eighties. What an inspiration he was to everyone. Our sincere sympathy to his family.
Janet & Michael Major
February 14, 2013
It was always a pleasure to meet and speak with Ralph. He was one of the most engaging and brightest individuals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. It is so sad to lose someone that has made so many peoples lives better. My wife and I offer our sincere condolences to Melody and all of the Braun family.
Joel Manning
February 14, 2013
Todd, I was so glad we met at the Notre Dame game and shared so many laughs and stories. The way you talked about your father and how he lived his life was such a tribute and you and your family certainly should mourn the loss but much more so appreciate that your father really knew how to live and affect so many others in a positive way. I was touched by the stories.
February 13, 2013
Melody...I am so sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. He was such a great friend to Dick and me.I am in Florida yet but wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. The love the two of you shared will always remain in your heart. I will try to get on touch with you after I am back home in April...With loving memories, Virginia Bennett
Brent Prior
February 13, 2013
Ralph was a wonderful inspiration to all and would want us to charge into the future always striving to do better every day. He definately did his part in making the world more accessible to lots of people! Thank you Ralph for sharing your time here with us! May you now rest peacefully in God's arms and go on daily flights on angels wings!
Marcia Cohen
February 13, 2013
Sincere condolences to the family of this fine man who made it possible for my husband to drive once again. The independance of driving opened up a whole world.
Craig Kapson
February 13, 2013
I wish my heartfelt condolences to the Braun family on the loss of an amazing man and visionary such as Ralph Braun. I appreciated him and his work and am sorry to be in California and unable to return to pay my respects in person. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Jeff Bennett
February 12, 2013
Deepest sympothies to the Braun family from the Bennett family. My father Richard really enjoyed all of his time with Ralph and thought of him as a great friend. He will be missed by many. Maybe Ralph and my father are spending some time together in heaven.
- The Bennett Family, Granger, IN
Karen Orban Locke
February 12, 2013
I had the honor of knowing Ralph when employed as the District Director for the Muscular Dystrophy Association from 1980-89. He was always so gracious to speak on our behalf be it at the annual Telethon or at our special events, he was there.
He was such an inspiration to me and I have thought of him so fondly through these many years. I wish him eternal peace in God's loving arms.
My sincere condolences to his family.
peter galietta
February 12, 2013
GOD BLESS
February 12, 2013
My heart goes out to the family for the deep loss you must be feeling for your beloved Ralph. How sad to lose someone so loved and so needed. May you find comfort in prayer and one another.
Jeremiah 29:12,13
Judy Spain
February 12, 2013
My deepest condolances are extended to the Braun family. Though I have never met Ralph, I am a blessed owner of a Braun ramp van. His contributions made and devotion to improving the quality of life for the disabled are appreciated more than words can express. His efforts have certainly improved and expanded my quality of life. May God bring your family comfort, strength and His peace that passeth all understanding.
Gerri, Doug and Kristin Pagach
February 12, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May Ralph's memory live on in the hearts of his family and the wonderful work that he started.
Jeff Stoops
February 12, 2013
Melody and family, Nancy and I extend our sincere sympathy and will miss Ralph's always present smile.
Tom Townsend
February 12, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Ralph's family. I have know Ralph since 1976. The Braun Corporation is a first class company and I appreciate all he's done for me. You will be missed.
fay seman
February 12, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
February 11, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the Braun.
Doug and Whitney Stringer
February 11, 2013
We Will Miss You Ralph~
Edison & Chrisann Gutwein
February 11, 2013
We wish to extend our deep and heartfelt sympathy.
Steve Overholser
February 11, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the family and to the employees of Ralph from all of us at Great Clips.
Steven Ransom
February 11, 2013
I did not know this man, but I salute his very generous contribution to the treatment of SMA.
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