Obituaries

December 18, 1940 to February 8, 2013

WINAMAC - Ralph William Braun, 72, founder and CEO of The Braun Corporation, Winamac, passed away at 4:45 p.m., Friday, Feb. 8, at his residence in Winamac.

He was born Dec. 18, 1940 in Winamac to Joseph J. and Olive M. Braun.

Survivors include his wife of eight years, Melody; his children Cherie (Paul) Braun-Diaz, Todd (Amy) Braun, Brent Braun, Drew (Lisa) Braun, Melissa (Nathan) Dennis; and eight grandchildren Nathan and Alison Diaz, Brittney and Brady Braun, Quentin, Justin, and Caitlin Haley, and Lindy Dennis.

Also surviving are his step-children Aaron (Carrie) Gutwein, Anthony (Jennifer) Gutwein, Allison (Daryl) Starr, Adrienne (Nick) Vollmer, seven step-grandchildren, and one sister Joan Heath.

He was preceded in death by his father Joseph J. Braun in 1986 and mother Olive M. Freeman Braun in 2012.

Mr. Braun was a pioneer in the mobility industry, struggling with SMA from a young age. Out of a need to improve his own mobility, he built his first three-wheel scooter in 1962. Realizing that there were many others like him, he started his own company developing and manufacturing several mobility products. This began in 1963 when he started Save-A-Step Manufacturing, which eventually grew into The Braun Corporation in 1972. What began as a solution to his own mobility needs grew to a company that would eventually change thousands of lives. In 2006, The Braun Corporation adopted the brand name, BraunAbility for its products. Today his company has grown into a world-wide corporation, with its headquarters still based in Winamac.

In 2010, Mr. Braun released his autobiography, Rise Above. He then started The Ralph Braun Foundation as a way to assist the disabled population with purchasing mobility equipment. As a recipient of many awards and honors, his recognition began in 1979 when he received the Employer of the Year Award from the Commission for the Handicapped and the Indiana State Board of Health. Since that time, he has been featured on television and in many newspaper and magazine articles for his success and drive to improve the lives of others with disabilities. In 2012 he was awarded the “Champion of Change” from The White House. He was also honored with the Support of the Guard and Reserves Patriot Award. This award is for his dedicated support and flexibility offered to employees serving in the military. His most recent award was a bronze plaque from the Adaptive Driving Alliance for being the leader and pioneer for mobility products. 

Mr. Braun was also a life-long model airplane enthusiast and member of the Winamac Aero Modelers Club. He was a loving father, dedicated husband and wonderful friend to many. Over the years, his involvement and donations to the community have been too numerous to mention. He will be greatly missed. 

Friends may call at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Winamac, from 3 to 8 p.m., Thursday; and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday. A funeral mass will be at 12 noon, Saturday (Feb. 16), at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Winamac. Entombment will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Winamac.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to The Ralph Braun Foundation at P.O. Box 310, Winamac, IN 46996.