Liebtrud Brauner

Liebtrud "Trudy" Maria Brauner (Knapp), age 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 20th, 2025. After 34 years apart, she was joyfully reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, the late Horst Brauner.
Born on April 7th, 1933, in Sternberg, Austria, Trudy was the only child of Franz and Elizabeth Knapp. She enjoyed a happy childhood in Austria until age 12 when her family was forced to leave their home after the war. Despite early hardships, Trudy excelled academically, graduating as a valedictorian of her class before attending finishing school to pursue a business degree.
On May 16th, 1953, she married the love of her life Horst. The young couple courageously began a new chapter together when they immigrated to America aboard the SS Nieuw Amsterdam on June 9th, 1954. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter and the joyful chaos of raising six children.
A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Trudy was known for her extraordinary knitting and sewing talents, her passion for animals and her delicious home cooked meals and desserts. Some of our favorites included kaiserschmarrn, potato salad, dumplings, hackfleisch and anise cookies. Her recipes, like her love, will be passed down for generations.
Trudy leaves behind a legacy of love and family that continues to grow – her six children and their spouses; Patty (Hank) Wojtczak, Vivian (Tim) Ignatowski, Debi (Pat) Cornell, Monica (Craig) Davis, Kim (Todd) Sauve and Patrick (Sharon) Brauner; her 24 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and one more great grandchild on the way.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at St. Francis Health Services for their care and compassion in her final days.
A private family service will be held on November 7th at Sunset Options Funeral Home in Oak Creek to honor and celebrate Trudy's life.
Though she is no longer with us, Trudy's love and spirit will live on through the generations she so lovingly nurtured. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Liebtrud, please visit our floral store.