Obituary of Emile Henry Braun

On March 8, 2020, Emile Henry Braun, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle, and loyal friend, passed away at the age of 80 years old. His passing was in Lake Havasu City, Arizona where we spent the winter months. Emile was born on November 22, 1940 in the Orofina Hospital to Edward and Elvera Braun. He grew up on the family farm in Nezperce, Idaho. Nezperce was always home. Emile was always proud to say, “The Braun’s are Century Farmers”. His grandfather, Emile Braun, came to the United States from Hagen, Luxembourg (a small country between France, Germany, and Belgium) In the year 1897, he homesteaded ground on the prairie of Nezperce, Idaho. Emile’s childhood was filled with many happy memories he shared with siblings, cousins, and neighboring friends. He talked of many good, fun adventures throughout those years. Emile also told of some of the mischievous escapades they would get themselves into. Playing in the dirt with his toy trucks was a favorite! It was here he could pretend he was a farmer planting and harvesting his own make-believe crops. Emile attended Saint Anthony’s Catholic School through the eighth grade, then entered Nezperce High School and graduated in 1958. He started college in Pocatello, Idaho at Idaho State University. Not far into his college year, he quit to go home to help on the family farm. His life-long passion of farming came to fruition in owning and farming his own ground. Many times, he would state, “There’s no better smell than that of the fresh-tilled fields”. In 1961, Emile married Beverely Gills. They had 5 wonderful children throughout their 21 years of marriage; Kurtis Braun, Kim Braun, Teresa Braun Cash (Kevin), Barbara Braun King (Jim-deceased), and Jennifer Braun Huntley. July 1994, Emile met Glenna Elizabeth Talamantez. She had three children; Greg Talamantez (Jamee), Tracy Talamantez Rowe (Tom), and Dina Talamentez Elverud (Russ Young). Emile and Liz married November 22, 1997. They built and resided in their home Nezperce, Idaho. Emile belonged to various organizations; the Jaycees, Lion’s Club (where he made famous the “Emile Burger”), Nezperce Gun Club, Elk’s Lodge (56 years), and the Eagle’s Club. He so enjoyed the fellowship of many. A big highlight of his years farming was finding time to throw a cooler in the pickup with Johnny, Orville, whoever, and go on a crop tour. While on these tours, they would often pull into a field where another farmer was working, share from the cooler, and as always, discuss the year’s crops. Over the years, a lot of laughter and good memories were made while standing around the combines (with the crew) deep in discussion of whatever came to mind. The last 10 years, we’ve resided in Arizona for the winter months. To begin with, it was a hard transition for Emile to make. He did not like leaving the farm for too long a time. We started out in Parker, Arizona with other Nezperce friends. We stayed 2 months, the next 4 years stretching the time to 3 months a year. Then due to Emile’s healthy, our 5th wheel and pickup was sold and we decided to stay home. After spending a cold, snowy winter, Emile said, “See if you can find us a place in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. We’ve spent the last 6 years in Havasu, but our winter stay expanded into the 6+ months a year. Many friendships have developed with very wonderful people. Emile and myself truly love them all. Emile was proceeded in death by his father; Edward Braun, mother; Elvera Braun, sister; Dorothy Glass (Lee), brother-in-laws; Marvin Berry, Delbert Elliott, and Richard Fuchs. He is survived by his wife; Liz Braun, 8 wonderful children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, brother; Larry Braun, sisters; Marylou Fuchs, Betty Berry, Shirley Elliott, and Connie Roberts (Ron), along with many nieces and nephews. Services were entrusted to the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Emile will be brought home to Nezperce, Idaho; a place he called “God’s Country”! A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. His daughter, Kim Braun, wrote me a message stating, “He will struggle no longer to breathe. I picture him doing what he loved; in his combine on a hot summer day harvesting his crops. He is smiling and happy”. No words could have described his passing better. Emile is loved for the man he was. He will be so tremendously missed by many.