Ralph Joseph Braun, 65, of Kellogg, Idaho passed away November 30, 2011 at the Kootenai Medical Center of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. He was born July 2, 1946 at Kellogg, Idaho; Ralph was the son of Ralph and Cecilia “Sally” (Goetz) Braun.
Ralph attended the Kellogg High School and was a member of the Kellogg High School Sate Basketball Championship team of 1964; Ralph graduated that same year. Ralph attended college in Winona, Minnesota; he then returned home and continued his college education at the North Idaho College of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. Ralph also served in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Ralph married Colleen Hawkins on July 23, 1966 at St. Rita’s Catholic Church of Kellogg, Idaho.
While attending the North Idaho College, Ralph also worked for the Bunker Hill Mining Company; he worked as a lead man in the Geology Department for many years. Ralph then went to work for the Panhandle Distributing, then Mogey’s Distributing of the Silver Valley for many years; and lastly Columbia Distributing, which became Odom Distributing of Coeur d’ Alene until his medical retirement in 2003.
Ralph was a member of the St. Rita’s Catholic Church of Kellogg, Idaho, a member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the Kellogg Elks Lodge #1841 and a member of the Shoshone Cancer Support Group. Ralph had also served on the Kellogg City Council for two terms.
Ralph loved and enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved all sporting events and would attend events to watch his beloved grandchildren play. Ralph loved making special “Grandpa Sandwiches” for the grandchildren when they visited him for lunch. He loved attending Gonzaga games with his family and keeping up with current events on the computer. Ralph also enjoyed four-wheeling, fishing and golfing. He also loved taking rides in his red corvette with Colleen or the grandchildren and “taking those corners or curves”.
Ralph is survived by his beloved wife Colleen of forty-five years of the family home of Kellogg, Idaho; three daughters Christie and her husband Kent Jarvey of Kingston, Idaho, Carol and her husband Jerry McCarver of Pinehurst, Idaho and Cathi Jerome of Kingston, Idaho; six grandchildren Derek Jarvey, Alyssa Jarvey, Blake Jerome, Justin McCarver, Chase Jerome and Mac McCarver; one great-granddaugher Rylee Jarvey; three sisters Leona Hattery of Blaine, Washington, Margi Adams of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, and Coni Smith of Spokane, Washington; he is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, one brother David Braun and one infant sister Marie Braun.
Rosary/Vigil services will be held on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. at the St. Rita’s Catholic Church of Kellogg and a Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at the St. Rita’s Catholic Church with Father Jimmy Peak and Father Tom Loucks serving as Celebrants. Burial will be held at the Greenwood Cemetery of Kellogg, Idaho. A luncheon will be held at the St. Rita’s Parish Hall following services; everyone is welcome.
The family suggests that memorial may be made to the Shoshone Cancer Resource Center, 204 Oregon Street, Kellogg, Idaho 83837 or to the Kellogg High School Boys Varsity Basketball team, #2 Jacobs Gulch, Kellogg, Idaho 83837.
SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORY KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with funeral arrangements.
If you would like to leave a comment for the family please fill out the form below. It is important that you include to whom your comments are in rememberance of so that they will be posted to the correct individual. All comments will be posted by 8:00 a.m. the next day.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.God Bless -- Eddie and Jan Bailey
Ralph was a great guy. My brother and I lived in his neighbor hood. When we were little he kept older bullies for picking on us, made sure we were included in neighborhood footbal and baseball games and was generally our hero and protector. We were lucky to have known him. He was a quality person throughout his life. -- Michael Peacock
Colleen, wish I could put in words how sorry I am to hear about Ralph. As a former Valley guy I've known Ralph and David for so long. It hurts a lot to see our friends leave us. I've been living out of the area or I would have been to the service. I will remember him always. RIP Ralph -- Pat Wheeler
Colleen, We are so deeply saddened by Ralph's passing. You have our deepest sympathy. We will be praying for you and your family. -- Bob and Cheryl Dumont
Colleen, Where do I start? I have always loved you both so much! I'm so happy my match-making worked out so well. I just knew you two would be GREAT together. I loved him too you know...what a WONDERFUL person. Please take care and remember all the special memories. Our BEST to you and your family. Love you, -- Michalene Lannen-Hauser
Colleen, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have wonderful memories of growing up with Ralph. He was a good person. -- Gary Rauenhorst
Ralph is a great family man, his friendly smile and happy personality will be missed by all in the Valley, my love and prayers are with the family. -- Diane VanVleet
So sorry for your loss. Ralph was a great person. He is in our prayers. -- Jim and Vicki Crowley
Ralph's genuine smile and positive attitude will always be remembered. he took good care of the home I was raised in and that meant so much to me. You're in my heart Ralph;See Ya! -- Sibyl Lemich
Carol and family, Phil and I are so sorry to hear about your Dad. We didn't him but I know Gina sure thought alot of him, just so sorry. -- Lola Mathis
Alyssa, You have been in my thoughts lately. Hope you are doing OK. Use the many good memories you have to get you through the tough times. -- Darcy Furlin
Ralph was a special man whom we will greatly miss! You are in our thoughts & prayers! With Sympathy, -- Joe, Diana, Justin and Jessica Margason
Colleen, I was at the service today, but didn't come over to to you to say our sorry I am. last timm I talked to Ralph was at a kellogg High b.ball game when I was asst coaching two years ago. It was fun to sit and talk about the game with him. He will be missed very much. God Bless you and your family. -- Larry Curry
