Service Information
William “Bill” Carl Braasch, age 95, of Gaylord, passed away Sunday, July 5, 2020, at Golden Hearts Assisted Living Center in Arlington.
Funeral Service will be Wednesday, July 8, 2020, 11:00 A.M. at Egesdal Funeral Home with interment in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Gaylord.
Visitation will be Wednesday, July 8, 2020, from 9:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M. at the Egesdal Funeral Home in Gaylord.
Memorials preferred to Immanuel Lutheran Church and School.
Obituary
William “Bill” Carl Braasch was born on May 6, 1925, in Gaylord, Minnesota. He was the son of Herman and Alvina (Gildemeister) Braasch. Bill was baptized as an infant in 1925, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on March 17, 1940, both at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord. He received his education in Gaylord and was a graduate of the Gaylord High School Class of 1943. Bill furthered his education at the University of Minnesota Agriculture School.
On April 14, 1950, Bill was united in marriage to Verona Anna Marie Witthus at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Helen Township, McLeod County, Minnesota. Bill and Verona were blessed with two daughters. After their marriage the couple resided in Dryden Township, Sibley County, Minnesota, where they farmed for over 50 years. Bill was very particularly proud of his registered Herford cattle. In addition to farming, Bill spent 24 years driving school bus for the Gaylord School District. After retiring, Bill also spent several years working for Green Giant Canning Company. After retiring from farming, Bill and Verona volunteered for many community events and the Sibley County Historical Society in Henderson and many other local functions. Bill and Verona shared 70 years of marriage.
Bill and Verona were very close and did everything together. They were members of several Square Dance Clubs including the Arlington Square Dance Club, Gaylord Square Dance Club, Polka Club of America and they enjoyed going to old time dances in New Ulm and Gibbon. They traveled and danced with many other groups in the area. Bill volunteered and helped at many civic functions. Bill and Verona taught dancing lessons for many years.
Bill was a lifelong and very active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord and participated in many events, committee meetings and served on the church council for many years.
Bill passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2020, at the Golden Hearts Assisted Living in Arlington at the age of 95 years. Blessed be his memory.
Bill is survived by his:
Wife, Verona Braasch of Arlington, MN;
Daughter, Susan Rodewald and her husband, Paul of Red Wing, MN;
Grandchildren, Daniel Rodewald and his wife, Bobbie of Alexandria, MN;
Great-grandchildren, Jeffrey Rodewald and Erik Rodewald;
Many Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his Parents, Herman and Alvina Braasch; Daughter, Patricia Ann Braasch; Siblings, Lillie (Wilford) Hahn, Violet (James) Estesen; Sylvia Braasch; and Raymond (Lois) Braasch.
Jan Remus says
Since I’ve left the farm I really lost connection with a lot of Carey’s mother’s relatives. I want to express my deepest sympathies to Verona, you Susan, and the rest of your family. I just happen to run across this and I’m glad I did. So please accept my deepest sympathies to everyone and may the Lord be your strength and your comfort and all the days ahead. God’s blessings to you all
Jan Remus
Grimes Iowa
Arlene & Pete Pinske says
Our sympathy to Verona, Susan and family. The cross Bill made for us hangs in our bedroom and reminds us of him and the good work he did. Always sad to say goodbye to a mate and father no mater how old they are. He will be missed.
Bob Bussler says
You have our deepest sympathies. We enjoyed our many times working with Bill and Verona on their house and out buildings. As a business, the work was appreciated, but what was better was our conversations about working the farm, the local history, square dancing, and what it took to have such a long married life. Their work ethic, or to Bill and Verona what was another normal day, was to get their work done and not just sit around. An example was a day my son, Jack age 17 or 18, was working with the crew. Bill joined us for our morning break. I asked Jack how old did he think Bill was and he thought 70. I think Bill was 89 or 90 at the time. What astounded Jack was that Bill had been picking up rocks in the fields that morning. A great example for my son.
I want to thank Bill and Verona for their past business, but what I’m really going to miss is their conversations and their friendship. Thank you. It was my pleasure to be around them.
Bob Bussler
Bussler & Son Construction
Ann Koch says
Billy was my bus driver I don”t remember any one great story to tell.But, I know as my grandchildren are starting their education journey, I sure wish we could have some of the good old bus drivers again.To name a few Billy,Ray,Eddie and Fred :(.