Thomas J. Braun

Thomas J. Braun, age 78, of Hastings died unexpectedly Monday, September 24, 2012 at his home.Thomas was born November 12, 1933 in New Trier to Michael and Amelia (Yetzer) Braun. He married Audrey Biskupski on October 9, 1954 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Hastings. He retired from 3M in Cottage Grove in 1991 after 33 years. Thomas was a devoted altar server and usher at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. His hobbies included being a champion pigeon flier. He was preceded in death by his wife Audrey; parents; brothers Edward and John; sisters Junilla and Nora. Thomas is survived by his children Christine Willhite, Roxanne (Dennis) McCoy, Joanne (Tom) Nelson, Joseph, Mike (Jayne), and Richard; also 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; sisters Bernice Klahr, Jeanne Schmitt, Rita (Richard) Gelhar, Collette (Jon) Hall; brothers Vince (Delores) and Leo. Visitation will be held 4-8 PM Thursday, September 27 at the Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home, 201 E. Seventh St., Hastings and one hour prior to the funeral at the church. The Funeral Mass will be 10:30 AM Friday, September 28, 2012 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 Fifteenth St. West in Hastings. Fr. James Perkl will officiate. Interment, with Military Honors provided by the Hastings VFW Lyle Russell Post #1210 will follow in the parish cemetery. Pallbearers are Shannen Braun, Alex Nelson, Andrew Nelson, Mandy Kampa, Rodney Braun, Fred Senger and Jill Mulwee.