Charles J. Braun

CHARLES (CHARLIE) JOSEPH BRAUN, 44, of Missoula, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2019 at St. Patrick Hospital. The day he passed, he was doing what he loved the most, being with his son.

Charlie was born on March 7th, 1975 in Waukegan, Illinois, to Julius Charles Braun III and Karen Krystal. Charlie was the eldest of five children. As a young boy, he was full of energy. From a very young age, Charlie was inquisitive and loved to disassemble things to learn about their function. On the flipside, he didn’t necessarily enjoy putting those contraptions back together. Charlie took personal responsibility in teaching his three brothers to be mischievous and enjoy life to the fullest. He took great pleasure in torturing his brothers in his youth.

Charlie learned to play the trumpet from the fifth grade but ended his senior year playing the kazoo simply to spite his band teacher since he wouldn’t let him quit band. He attended the University of Montana for a year. Charlie was a self-taught mechanic who had wisdom beyond his years. Eventually, Charlie was certified as an ASE Mastertech. He was a mechanic for over twenty years.

On February 14, 2003, Charlie married the love of his life Jeannie Gail Beaver at First United Methodist Church in Missoula. They lived in Missoula. He worked as a mechanic for Transolution, Flannigan Motors, Karl Tyler, and then ultimately Unique Auto for the past 3 years. Charlie loved to teach his love of mechanics, which he did at Carquest Technical Institute for the last 2 years.

On July 11, 2005, Charlie and Jeannie welcomed their son Ethan Raymond Braun. Charlie’s world revolved around Ethan from that point forward. Ethan was Charlie’s proudest accomplishment. Charlie was Ethan’s biggest hero and Ethan was his life.

Charlie had an infectious and memorable laugh, by which he will always be remembered. He loved mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, camping, backpacking, and working on cars with his son by his side. He loved working on rebuilding projects, which is evidenced by the many projects in his garage.

Charlie was preceded in death by Rex and Julia Maughan, his maternal grandparents; Julius and Theresa Braun, his paternal grandparents; and Betsy Braun, his paternal aunt. He also was preceded in death by three cousins, Richard Dibble, Leteasa Marie Hogge, and Harrison Maughan.

Survivors include his wife, Jeannie, Missoula; son, Ethan Raymond Braun, Missoula; mother, Karen Krystal, Ronan, Montana; Father, Chuck (Lorraine) Braun, Libby, Montana; three brothers and their families Robert Braun, St. Ignatious, Montana; David (Elizabeth) Braun, Spokane, WA; Andy Braun, Potomac, Montana; and sister Sarah Pierce, Monument, Colorado. Other survivors include numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins who loved Charlie dearly.

Charlie… a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, co-worker, mechanic, and friend who will be missed by all.

A Celebration of Life was held to honor Charlie on Saturday, June 1st at 3 pm at First United Methodist Church with Reverend John Daniels officiating. A special thanks to family and friends who have stepped in during this difficult time to

In lieu of flowers or cards, please consider a contribution towards the GoFundMe account called “You’re a Good Man Charlie Braun Memorial Fund” to aid his wife and son in this difficult time.

https://www.gofundme.com/you039re-a-good-man-charlie-braun-memorial-fund&rcid=r01-155958356922-fdddc793f8c842c2&pc=ot_co_campmgmt_w