Steven Joseph Braet

Steven Joseph Braet, known affectionately as Coach Braet to most, and G’Dawg to his grandchildren, passed away on May 2, 2024, in Wichita, Kansas, after a courageous battle with cancer, at his home surrounded by family. He was born on August 30, 1954, in Kansas City. Beyond his illustrious career, Steve Braet was cherished as a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.

 

He was a 1972 graduate from Shawnee Mission Northwest, home of the Cougars. 

 

He graduated from Friends University where he not only pursued his education but also showcased his athletic talent as an all KCAC nose guard wearing #84, playing in two bowl games. His 1974-75 Friends Falcon team was the first undefeated in KCAC history and was inducted into the Friends University Hall of Fame in 2019. 

Steve married the love of his life, Dana, on July 7, 1979. They met while attending education classes at Friends University.

Coach Braet dedicated an impressive 42 seasons of his life to coaching football at Butler Community College, with a 2-year coaching stint at Wichita State University (1982 and 1983). His career began humbly in 1979 as an unpaid volunteer assistant and culminated when he served as the Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Line Coach of the Butler Grizzlies until his retirement in 2022. His love for the game and his players never wavered. Throughout his tenure, Coach Braet played a pivotal role in the success of the Butler Football program, being the common link to all six NJCAA National Championships won in 1981, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2008. 
 
Coach Braet held the reputation as one of the top defensive line coaches in the nation. Under his guidance, the Butler Grizzlies secured an impressive 22 Jayhawk Conference championships. His exceptional leadership was reflected in his remarkable overall record of 337-118-2. A man of many achievements, Coach Braet has been inducted into the Wichita Sports Hall of Fame in 2017, the NJCAA Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2022 and the Butler Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023. In addition, he was the AFLAC National Assistant Coach of the Year in 2001 and was awarded the Samson Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year in 2006. Despite all of his accolades, it was his love for his players and fellow coaches that kept him in the game.  

Steve Braet is survived by his loving family: his wife of 44 years, Dana (Griffiths) Braet; sons, Steven “Taylor” Braet (and daughter-in-law Leah Braet) along with their daughters, Brittany and Delaney and son, Briley; and Dr. Corey Joseph Braet, D.O. (and daughter-in-law Sarah Braet) along with their sons, James and John. He is also survived by his brother, Ron Braet. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert (Bob) and Darlene Braet.
 
A Celebration of Life service to honor and remember Coach Braet will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the Butler Community College Gymnasium in El Dorado, Kansas. The service will begin at 4:00 pm, followed by a reception with family and friends at the Butler Community College Welcome Center until 8:00 pm. In honor of Coach Braet, please wear purple. 

 

In the world of football and beyond, Coach Braet's legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with:

 

University United Methodist Church

2220 N. Yale Ave.

Wichita, KS 67220

 

Steve Braet Memorial Scholarship Fund

Butler Community College

901 Haverhill Rd.

El Dorado, KS 67042

Click HERE to view the Livestream