Fred P. Braun, Jr. was born May 18, 1934 in Philadelphia, PA to Fred and Margaret (Peg) Braun, the first of four children: Bruce Braun, Diane Mattis, and Janine Ivory. He graduated from Lafayette College, where he received the outstanding student award. He later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. Fred served in the U.S. Army Infantry during which time he tried out for the U.S. Olympics as a rower, and taught basic training at Fort Dix. He married Marguerite Harcourt in 1959, and they moved to Jenkintown, PA. Fred has an impressive resume, starting with Standard Pressed Steel, Air Products and Chemicals, Kansas City Pump Co., Vice President of Tenth & Main Corporation, President of Tec Tank, Parsons KS, President of Zephyr Products, Heatron Manufacturing, Henke Manufacturing (all of Leavenworth, KS), President of Atkinson Industries (Pittsburg, KS), and of Heartland China, Topeka. In 1978, Fred began his mission of purchasing and establishing companies in order to hire and rehabilitate inmates from the Kansas State Penitentiary, and later from the Women's Penitentiary in Topeka. He initiated the Workman Fund providing training and employment of inmates. These companies have served as a national model. Fred served his community of Lake Quivira as a director of the Quivira Inc. board for four 3 year terms and as a City Councilman for two 4 year terms. Fred received many awards for his community and business activities. He was an entrepreneur, investor, volunteer, philanthropist, hiker and backpacker, rower, ecologist, over achiever, and religious man. In addition, he was a critical thinker, financial analyst, and business strategist. He pushed his family, friends, and employees to the brink of frustration and exhaustion. If he gave praise, it was earned. Fred described himself as a "dumb plugger, not a quitter." Fred is survived by his wife Margie and their four children: Bruce, Randy, Eric, and Christina. He was blessed with nine grandchildren: William and Andrew Braun, Kiele and Jay Braun, Noah and Isaac Braun, and Abby, Josh, and Cassie Gomer. Fred's generosity was endless and he was often heard saying, "I started with nothing and I want to end with nothing." In the end, "nothing" is a legacy of wisdom and knowledge, respect and admiration, and an indelible footprint on countless people fortunate enough to have crossed his path throughout his journey.

Services

The funeral service is Saturday, June 4th 10:00 am at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 6630 Nall Ave., Mission, KS, with a reception at the church to follow. There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, June 5 from 1:00-3:00 at the Lake Quivira Country Club.

Contributions

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity in Fred's name, or better yet, plant a tree in his memory.