Robert Braun

Robert M. Braun left his home on Cottonwood Creek to be with his heavenly family on May 3, 2022. He was the son of Mervin Gustave Braun and Ida Elsie Braun (Hartman). Brother of Kenneth Braun (Glady) and James Hartman. He was the father to Roben E. Braun (Karen) and Bryan L. Braun; Grandpa to Jessica Standlee and Justin Braun (Cassie); Great Grandpa to Jace, Zoey, and Aria; as well as his love and wife Karen E. Braun of 58 years. He was an uncle, great uncle, cousin and friend to many others.

He was born in Craigmont, Idaho on October 17, 1938 and grew up on the family ranch on Cottonwood creek, he attended grade school in Stites and later in Lewiston, Idaho, where he attended school as well as starting the Army National Guard program and graduated from Lewiston Senior High school in 1959. He joined the Army National Guard in Lewiston, Idaho in 1955 until he was honorably discharged in January of 1963.

He enjoyed swimming and was a skilled scuba diver giving lessons to the ones that were interested in learning; he was also readily available to dive for vehicle accidents on the Clearwater River when ever it was needed.

He worked out of the Kooskia Forest Service office, doing trail work and wild fire abatement. While there he met and made some life long friends and spoke of all the fun they had during their work. He worked at the Harpster Saw Mill on the green chain, while working on the family ranch.

After leaving the National Guard he started a friendship with Karen McCain and they were married in the Stites Baptist Church on November 16, 1963, their reception was held in the building that is now the Stites Post Office building. They lived on the family ranch raising their cattle and Arabian horses, Bob always rode his beloved stallion and friend, Shawn when checking on their cattle at home and on their range in the Red River area. They opened Bob's Service in 1963 until it was sold in 2021. Bob enjoyed visiting with customers and friends; one time he had the opportunity to have an enjoyable visit with bike riders from Italy and France while he repaired their bike tires. Bob certainly had the gift to gab and differences in language, culture, etc. was never a problem. Bob drove school bus for Clearwater Valley School District for 45 years. He enjoyed driving the Kidder Ridge route he had and the 3 generation of kids he hauled. Bob also drove many activity buses and trips to state with the girls basket ball team and other state competitions. During the fall Bob hauled hay from the Tri Cities and Walla Walla, WA and Cambridge, ID areas hauling hay for the ranch and friends. In addition, he hauled cattle not only for himself, but for several friends around the local area. He led a busy life and never let the grass grow under his feet, always there to help family and friends. Bob will always be remembered for his quick joke and smile. He will never be forgotten !!



There will be a memorial service at Kooskia High School on Saturday May 21th, starting on 10 am bring a dish and some memories to share.