Rita Marie (Fleuchaus) Braun

Rita Marie (nee: Fleuchaus) Braun, 82, was called home by her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, December 8, 2010. Rita loved her God, family, music, and people. She was a friend to everyone; a stranger to no one. Everyone loved her trademark smile and her curly white hair.

Rita was born in Racine on August 5, 1928, the daughter of German immigrants, Josef and Hildegard (nee: Hugel) Fleuchaus. She learned English in kindergarten at Franklin Elementary School. She also attended Holy Name School and graduated from St. Catherine’s High School.

Rita and Edmund F. Braun met at a dance at Holy Name Church; on October 14, 1950, they were married. They honeymooned in the Smoky Mountains. The love and joy of her life was the family that she and Ed raised. Using Ed’s expert carpentry skills, they built one of the early homes in the Village of Elmwood Park.

Rita loved classical music! She learned to play mandolin from her mother at the tender age of 4; soon thereafter she began violin and mandolin lessons. As teens, Rita and her sister Agnes played their instruments to entertain the patients at the old St. Mary’s Hospital at Christmas time. She played violin in the Racine and Kenosha Symphony Orchestras for over 50 years. She was one of the first women allowed to play in the orchestra because there was a shortage of men after WWII.

Rita will be sadly missed by her children: Anita Braun Welch (Ken) of Racine, David (Joan) of Yorkville, Rachelle Bennett of Tallahassee, FL, and Mike (Kari) of Chino Hills, CA. She and Ed also raised two grandsons, Joe and Jason Bennett. In addition, she leaves behind seven other grandchildren: Christa and Mike Welch; Cameron and Samantha Braun; Zoe, Chloe and Zeb Braun; and one great-grandchild, Elijah Edmund Bennett. She is also survived by her sister Agnes Petersen (Bob); sister-in-law, Pat Fleuchaus; brothers Albert (Jan) and Walter (Pauline) Fleuchaus; and brothers-in-law Frank, Don (Carol) and Gerry (Sue) Braun. There are also numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents and parents-in-law, Frank and Clara (nee: Miller) Braun; husband Edmund; sons, Stephen and Joseph Francis Gerard Braun; brother, Joseph Fleuchaus; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Fleuchaus, Mary Lou Braun, Evelyn Jonas and Cecilia Dailey; brothers-in-law, Don Jonas, Don Penza and Dan Dailey. Also several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Dec. 12, from 2-4 p.m. at St. Richard’s Catholic Church, 1509 Grand Ave. A Mass of Christian burial, officiated by Rev. Ron Gramza, will follow at 4 p.m. In keeping with Rita’s wishes, her cremated remains will be interred beside her husband at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Hospice Alliance of Pleasant Prairie or St. Richard’s Catholic Church would be appreciated

A very special thank you to Hospice Alliance, Nurse Darlene , and CNA Gina who made it possible for Grandma to spend her final months in the loving home of her daughter and son-in-law where she was surrounded by music, love, good food and laughter!

“Every time a bell rings a faithful angel gets its wings.” The bells are ringing for you Grandma! We love you and will miss you!

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888