Born: December 16, 1944 - Deceased: February 15, 2023
Gerald D. Braun passed away February 15th 2023 at Banner-University Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
He was born December 16th 1944 to the late Walter and Elaine (Slezak) Braun. He married Jeanette (Schaefer) on June 28th, 1968.
Gerald graduated from Cathedral High School in 1962. A few days after graduation he entered into the Air Force where he served from 1962-1965. He later attended SIUE for accounting. Gerald was the President of the Braun Automotive Group, which consisted of Braun Auto Electric, BASCO Auto Parts, Braun Bros., and Air Cooled Engines. Braun Automotive was a family business started in 1940. Numerous Parents, Aunts, Uncles, Brothers, Sisters, Children, and Cousins worked for and helped run the business for 50+ years.
Gerald’s favorite part of life was his dedication to his sons and auto racing. He spent most weekends loading up the family van and trailer to travel the country racing quarter midgets, micros, and midgets. If the family wasn’t racing he was probably at a race track promoting the business and or helping others. He held numerous positions under Southern Illinois Quarter Midget Racing Association. Which is known as Metro St. Louis Quarter Midget Association today. He served as President, Treasurer, Trainer, and Mentor. He also was on the Board of the St. Louis Auto Racing Fan Club throughout the years.
Prior to children he was an avid golfer and loved to ride his Harley Davidson. He retired to Cottonwood, Arizona where he loved to ask us back here in St. Louis how the weather was. He would then send a picture of the sun and mountains in his backyard. In retirement he still chased checkered flags and volunteered with various race teams. His favorite event was always being at Chili Bowl with the Robbins family. He volunteered at the VA and local Hospital. He lived, laughed, and loved his years in Cottonwood, Az. There he met his end of life partner Nancy Mayhew and her family.
In addition to his end of life partner Nancy Mayhew, he is survived by his son Garett (Chrissea) Braun, and four grandchildren Gracie and Carter Braun and Allison and Katelyn Hallstead. His sisters Cynthia (Braun) Kolakowski and Sandra Braun and many numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife of 49 years Jeanette Braun, and his son Ryan Braun.
Memorials may be made to St Louis Auto Racing Fan Club.
Visitation: Visitation from 9:30 -10:30 am, Monday March 20th, 2023 at Our Lady of Queen of Peace Church in Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am, on Monday, March 20th, 2023 at Our Lady of Queen of Peace Church in Belleville, IL with Rev. Matt Elie officiating. Interment with Military Rites at 12:30 pm at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.
10 Comments
Rest in Heaven Uncle Gerry! We have a lifetime of wonderful memories to cherish. We love you.
I have many great memories of growing up with Gerald. I often spent the night with them on weekends and Gerald was in charge of his sisters and I while their mom and dad went bowling. Gerald came up with many interesting games to play. When we lost, which was pretty much every time, we were obligated to go to the kitchen to bring him his choice of snacks. When he returned on leave from the service and wore his uniform to a family function I remember thinking what a hunk. I was probably 14. Many many great memories. We are so sorry for your loss Garett, Cynthia, Sandy and all the family. Hugs to you all.
Marilyn (cousin) & Tom Ernst
My brother was very active in racing and lived adventures. He was a great father and I remembered when he got Ryan that classy car when he was 17, I said why you buy that for him? He replied its a “chick magnet” so he always wanted his kids to have cool race and drive cars. He would talk about grandpa Braun and I liked that since I didn’t know grandpa. He loved Arizona and did many activities with Nancy on rode trips and seeing movies in Sedona the neighboring town. I was lucky to be with him for his last days on earth. Rest in peace Gerald Braun my big brother and successor of the Braun name that carries on our family heritage.
Garrett, I am very sorry for the loss of your dad. I have great memories of your dad and mom with you and Adam growing up together through the years. You’re parents were two very special people. Thinking of you and your family during this time.
Mrs. Sintzel
Thank you so much! I was very lucky to have two amazing parents!!! I run into the boys here and there when I go to Millstadt for wings. So many memories.
My condolences go out to the Braun family. Gerald was a great father and husband. Thank you Gerald for all the great memories at the race track. God Bless
Thank you sir! We had some amazing times and memories that will last forever at the race track. I’ll be back visiting this summer. Hope to see you there.
Gerald was a very special man. My children loved being around him these last 6 years . I am so blessed to have him in my life the last 6 years. He was my joy. We loved him very much and he will always be in my heart. I miss him every day.
RIP Mr. Braun.All the years you took care of all the cabs my parents had at 8th& State St.You were the best.
Thank you so much!! I remember your station there. I have many fond memories of being at the shop.