Richard (Rick) Charles Braun

Richard (Rick) Charles Braun

73, passed away peacefully on Tuesday April 7th, 2026 with his wife and kids by his side. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 18th, 2026 at Bison Creek Event Center in Buffalo, Minn from 11:00am to 2:00pm.

Rick was born on December 22, 1952 in Rochester, Minn to Aloysious (Bud) and Pearl (Boettcher) Braun. It was in his childhood where he developed a love for sports, cars and fishing. Rick graduated from John Marshall High School in 1971. Following graduation, he attended Rochester Community College.

Rick spent many years managing jewelry stores in various parts of the United States which ultimately landed him at Gordon’s Jewlers in Wilmar, Minn where he met Becky. On June 16, 1984, Rick was united in marriage to Becky L. Broman, in Willmar, Minn. After some moving around for job opportunities, Rick and Becky ended up buying a home in Buffalo, Minn where they resided for 40 years. Together they welcomed and raised their three children, Corey, Zach and Shanlee, creating a strong and caring family. Rick took any chance he could to tell others just how proud he was of his family; whether that be Becky being a stay-at-home mom taking care of the kids or bragging to others about Corey, Zach and Shanlee’s athletic abilities (that he takes full credit for).

Rick wore many hats in the Buffalo community including “Frito Rick” as he was a very successful Sales Rep for Frito Lay for 25 years. Though Rick is best known for his role as “Coach” for his kids’ various baseball, softball and basketball teams; an avid bass fisherman; host of all-night poker parties with family, friends & neighbors; as well as taking great pride in keeping his cars in pristine condition. His work ethic was bar none. Whether he was meeting his monthly quotas at work or balancing his work day, getting the lawn mowed and coaching practices/games (all in one day), he wanted to be the best. His competitive nature was a large part of who he was and part of the legacy that lives on in his kids.

Later in life, his new title of “Bumpa” became his joy. Rick’s goofball personality was perfect for this new role. He was always the first to make them laugh by making silly faces, tickling them and letting the kids tackle him. He taught them how to play balloon baseball and fish. He never passed up a time to cuddle up in his chair and watch a cartoon with one or more of his seven grandchildren. He was an active grandpa which is something his family will treasure forever.

He was also an adored father-in-law who truly loved his children’s spouses like they were his own. Rick loved spending time with them and has created lasting memories. He was so proud to talk about Sara, Cassie and Tyler and take them on as part of the Braun family.

Rick faced significant health challenges. In 2019, he bravely battled and beat Pancreatic Cancer. Shortly after that, he was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia and Primary Progressive Aphasia. Ultimately, Rick passed away due to the progression of the Frontotemporal Dementia. Luckily, even as he lost the meaning of words and names of people, he always recognized and knew who his family was which reinforces just how much he loved his family.

Rick will be remembered by his great sense of humor; he always had a joke ready for anyone willing to listen, bringing laughter and lightness to those around him. Additionally, his dedication and mentorship to so many of Corey, Zach and Shanlee’s friends during his years of coaching will be felt for generations to come. And most importantly his love of his family, creating an unbreakable bond that is shared amongst them.

Rick is survived by his wife Becky (Broman) Braun; children, Corey (Sara) Braun, Zach (Cassie) Braun and Shanlee (Tyler) Maher; grandchildren, Cohen, Bennett and Callan Braun, Isla and Elliot Braun, Thea and Talan Maher; father-in-law Roger (Sharon) Broman; sisters, Virginia (Ginny) (Dave) Bigelow, Kathy (Noodle) Schoppers and Anne (Jeff) Gunderson; brother-in-law Mark (Sue) Broman; sister-in-law Heather (William) Magowan; many nieces and nephews; and many cherished family, friends and neighbors.

Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Pearl Braun; siblings, Sharon (Gene) Cook, Michael Braun, Carol Marie Braun; brother-in-law, Lewis Schoppers; nephew, TJ Schoppers; mother-in-law, Mary Broman; sister-in-law, Pamela Larson.