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Jonathan Braun Obituary
Jonathan leaves behind many who cherished him including Milroy and Lucy Braun. He was a son and brother to the Geldermann family whom he loved.
Jonathan had a heart for the hurting, an unwavering love for his wife Cricket and a deep dedication and love for his family. He was known to fly around the world to help a friend and comfort those in need. While in college he was a Big Brother at Indiana University. There was nothing Jonathan wouldn't do for his friends and family. Jonathan lived his life with a love for God and serving others.
Jonathan founded OTR Transportation in 2015. He was passionate about his industry. He will always be remembered for his work ethic, big heart and enthusiasm for life.
The church service for Jonathan will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 9:30 am at Peace Lutheran Church, 21W500 Butterfield Road, Lombard, IL. There will be a private interment.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that you make a donation in Jonathan's name to Misericordia.
https://www.misericordia.com/giving/donate-online/
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Mike Bousis Family
May 28, 2025
Mark and Jill we are heartbroken to hear about Jonathan . You and your family are in our prayers during this difficult time .
Fred Braun
May 27, 2025
My deepest sympathies and prayer's go out the Braun/Gelderman families.
Joan Scialabba
May 27, 2025
May the Lord God hold each one of you close ....sending you signs that Johnathan is in His presence watching over you ...Until the time we all meet in eternity
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Kelly and Tracy McClarnon
May 27, 2025
Jon had a tremendous impact on our son Joseph and countless others. My wife and I never had an opportunity to experience Jon´s passion and zest for living, but we share in this profound loss. Our prayers go out to the family and everyone mourning the loss of Jon. God bless.
Dan Para
May 27, 2025
I have only known Jon for two and a half years but it felt like my whole life.
He was remarkable at reading people and instantly knowing how to connect with everyone he came in contact with.
He was an awesome and loyal friend and business partner.
I will miss his off hour calls, texts, and his love for OTR.
My prayers are with Cricket and the entire Family.
RJ & Marlene Ahmad
May 27, 2025
Jill and Mark,
We are heartbroken about Jonathon and deeply saddened by what you are going through. We will always remember his infectious smile, adventurous spirit, and kind conversations. He truly was a remarkable young man. Our thoughts and prayer are with you during this incredible difficult time.
Mark Phillips Pocahontas Iowa
May 27, 2025
Jonathan and I met for the first time on a produce loading dock in Castroville California. It was that brief moment that started a great friendship of many years following. His drive toward success was like no other. His kindness and compassion for family and friends was just how he rolled. I was happy to help whenever he had a mechanical question on his equipment over the years. I am blessed that our lives connected that day and I appreciated the great stories about the people in his life, his success, kindness and generosity. Our family is truly sorry for this great loss. Thoughts and prayers for all of the families and friends of Jonathan. Praying for additional strength and healing in days ahead. Till we meet again, God Bless.
Sava
May 27, 2025
Such a tremendous loss... I met Jon 15 years ago while he was working with Command, and from that moment on, I had the privilege of witnessing his remarkable personal and professional journey. His passion, dedication, and relentless drive to succeed were truly inspiring. Our professional relationship very quickly grew into a very special friendship. Jon became the younger brother I never had-making fun of my accent one moment and lifting me up the next. We shared first experience with boats, and countless unforgettable moments. Jon became a part of my family. He was a cherished guest at Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, and his presence was always felt and welcomed. I will forever hold dear the memories we made together in Gary, Park Ridge, and in Tennessee, where he built his home with vision and passion. He was deeply special to me and to my entire family - an extraordinary character who touched so many lives! Our deepest sympathies to his beloved wife Cricket, his parents, his brother, and many friends. Rest in peace, brother. You will always live on in our hearts.
Phil & Cindy Umek
May 26, 2025
Dear Mark and Jill,
We are thinking of you guys every minute. No words can express the devastating sadness we know you are going through! Just know you have countless friends who are mourning with you and are praying for you.
Our deepest sympathies...
Phil & Cindy
Chris Field
May 26, 2025
Although I only met Jonathan a few times, I know how deeply proud his father was of him and how much he loved him. His success and the person he became were clearly a great source of joy to his family. My heart goes out to all of you during this unimaginable loss. Wishing you strength, peace, and comfort in the days ahead.
Caron Weinstein
May 26, 2025
I was privileged to know Jonathon since he was a small boy and remember how kind he was! One day when he was approximately five years old, he had done something His mother did not approve of, and I have forgotten what it was however, one sunny day my doorbell rang, and when I open the door, there was this handsome little boy with a very serious expression on his face, telling me how much he apologized for whatever he had done wrong. All I wanted to do is give him a big hug. He was so cute,so somber and so serious!!! he grew into a very handsome young man and accomplished more in his short life than most men ever accomplish in a lifetime!!! We all mourn his loss Caron Weinstein
Erika Fuller
May 22, 2025
Jonathan left a massive footprint on this earth. It´s rare to meet someone as honest, raw, real, and confident as Jon. He was always unapologetically himself, which made him genuine and a blast to be around! Jonathan was beyond unique and had the biggest heart.
Jonathan´s physical presence may be gone but his spirit lives on. Take comfort in knowing l that he is always with us, to walk and guide us through this life.
Heaven has gained a most beautiful and extraordinary angel.
This is not goodbye. Until we meet again.
Frank Anthony
May 22, 2025
Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Frank & Kathleen Anthony
Barbara Hall
May 21, 2025
May the family find peace and comfort during such a devastating and tremendous loss. I knew Jon for a such a short moment and adored his character and facetime calls in the middle of the night to Cricket. The world is short one true "good guy". May you rest in peace, Jon.
Sr. Rosemary/Fr. Jack & Residents of Misericordia
May 21, 2025
Our sympathy and special prayers for Jonathan and all his family and friends.
Emily (Mark) Brooks
May 20, 2025
Jon was my neighbor and the heart of so many of my favorite childhood memories—bike rides, fort-building, candy wagon adventures. Even then, he had a spark and drive that were unforgettable.
Though we drifted apart over the years, whenever our paths crossed again, we always introduced each other as childhood best friends. That bond never really faded. I was always proud of the life Jon built. The last time I saw him—at a Christmas party in 2023—he was glowing: happy, grounded, and full of love for his life and his amazing wife, Cricket.
I’m absolutely heartbroken over this loss. Jon was a great friend to many and touched more lives than he probably ever realized—with his kindness, his energy, and his big heart. The world is truly lesser without him.
My deepest condolences to the Braun family. Thank you, Jon, for the memories, the friendship, and the light you brought to so many. You were one of a kind, and you’ll always be missed.
Dan & Kris Nelson
May 20, 2025
I did not know Jon but I grew up with his father Mark & uncle John as well as Kim & Heidi. He obviously inherited the kindness and loyalty that all the Braun family members have. You never get over losing loved ones but their memories will last forever. Peace be with him and all who knew him.
Shailu Tipparaju
May 20, 2025
John was part of our learning event last year and shared about his organization and presented it in class, with his team. What stood out was his curiosity and simplicity in being a "Day 1" learner. A kind soul with an energy that would warm up a room with his presence. He will always be remembered for being a wonderful human, and deeply missed because we need many many many more like him in the world today. Miss you, my dear friend.
Mark Danylko
May 20, 2025
Jon touched many lives and made them better. I am honored to have known him and can honestly say that I will NEVER forget him. He changed my life for the better and I will always be grateful to him.
Ty Hoffman
May 20, 2025
I´m heartbroken at the loss of my dear friend - Jon had a profound impact on my life growing up together in Wheaton. From early memories together playing tee ball, to spending everyday during high school summers together mowing lawns, the number of life´s "firsts" I shared with Jon are countless. Jon was truly one of a kind, always lit up the room and was a deeply loyal friend that would do anything for his friends and loved ones.
My heart goes out to the Braun family.
Rest in Peace brother. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
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