Michael "Mike or Sy" Sebastian Braun

Michael Sebastian Braun, known affectionately as Mike or "Sy" to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025 in Greenville, SC, at the age of 88. Born on October 22, 1936, in Bismarck, ND, to the late Jacob Braun and Adeline Knapp, Mike was a man of many talents and an unwavering pillar of his community.

Mike's life was one of service and dedication. He was a skilled mechanic, a hardworking farmer, and a devoted volunteer fireman and ambulance attendant. His commitment to public safety was further exemplified in his role as a township constable and as an instructor for hunter and snowmobile safety courses. Mike's entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate two businesses, where his mechanical expertise and innovative farm engineering solutions were highly valued.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Mike was a man who thrived in the great outdoors. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and snowmobiler, finding joy and tranquility in nature. His love for woodworking and fabrication led him to several unique mechanical creations.. Mike was also a proud member of the Eagles, where he contributed to numerous community support initiatives, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Generosity was Mike's second nature; he was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back without a second thought. His hands were skilled and always busy, whether fixing a neighbor's tractor or crafting a family heirloom. Mike's creativity shone through in everything he did, from his ingenious farm inventions to the beautiful wooden furniture and toys that he crafted with love.

Mike's life was rich with family connections. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Nancy Braun, and a legacy that includes his children: David Braun and his wife Lisa, Donald Braun and his wife Maia, Cindy Pullum and her husband Pat, Ruth Ann Braun, and Donny Wayne. He was a guiding light to his grandchildren: Jodie Warrick, Michael Braun, Rachel Braun, Jacob Braun, Krystle Cunningham (David), Erik Braun (Clare), Casey Pullum (Britney), Lindsay Verley (Matt), Kelsey Pullum, Codie Braun (Katie), Alexis Townsend (Dakota), Brandon Wayne, Trevor Gingrich (Shyann), Grant Gingrich (Katelyn), Andrew Sherman (Brooke), Caitlin Malhiot, Brendan Sherman (Alayssia), Connor Johnson, and their respective spouses and partners.

Mike's great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy and pride, will also cherish his memory: Makayla Terrillion, James Braun, Fitzgerald Braun, Dominic Braun, Logan Braun, Miles Pullum, Korbin Pullum, Easton Pullum, Kara Verley, Noah Verley, Elijah Verley, Joseph Verley, Cadien Braun, Aubrey Townsend, Waylon Gingrich, William Gingrich, Teddy Malhiot, Etta Malhiot, Stella Sherman, and Miles Sherman.

Mike was predeceased by his daughter, Patricia (Patty) Sullivan; his parents, Jacob Braun and Adeline Braun Knapp; step-father, Tracy Knapp; siblings, James Braun, Elaine Weller, Jack Braun,, and Gary Braun. He is survived by his sister Fran Girbach-Arnholt, (Jack) and sister-in-law Georgia Braun.

Mike's life was a testament to the power of kindness, the value of hard work, and the importance of family. He will be remembered as a man who could fix anything, who never hesitated to help others, and who left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mike was raised on the farm, with no electricity or modern plumbing. His father died when he was 14, and Mike took over the farm and dropped out of school to provide for his mother and the other children. At age 17, Mike moved the family from North Dakota to Milan, Michigan and became a mechanic. Later Mike moved to northern Michigan, first living in Atlanta, MI, and then to Rogers City. Mike and Nancy ultimately retired, moving to Greenville, South Carolina. Mike became a member of Redeemer Church in Greenville, where he recently gave his heart to the Lord and he cherished his relationship with God.

As we bid farewell to Mike, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of moments that touched the hearts of many. His legacy will live on through the stories shared by his family, the lessons he taught, and the community he helped build and support. Mike's memory will be treasured forever, and his spirit will continue to inspire us all.

A celebration of life for Michael Braun will be held on June 8th, 2025 for family and friends at 1:00pm at Dave and Lisa's. Please take note of all of the unique/witty comments or phrases that Mike used. We are also interested in sharing stories of adventures with Mike in which you may have participated or witnessed.