William David Braun

William David “Bill” Braun, 79, of Buchanan Township, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his family’s presence Thursday, July 2, 2026.

His life began October 16, 1946 in Gary, Indiana the third of three children born to Bill and Wanda Braun. While attending his first week of fall semester at Michigan State University in 1968 he was set up on a blind date, where he ended up meeting the love of his life, Deanna Stibbe. They were married on November 21, 1970 at St. John’s Church in Niles.

Bill grew up in Gary, Indiana until he was twelve years old and then went to live with his older sister Dorothy and her husband, Tom Shook. He graduated from Grand Blanc High School in 1964 and went on to earn an Associates degree at Flint Junior College. Bill continued his education further by graduating from Michigan State University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography. Although he earned a Bachelor degree in Geography science, he found himself working as an accountant which he enjoyed immensely. His accounting career started at Ball Rubber in St. Joseph, Michigan. Other employers included South Bend School Corporation and Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties Headstart Consortium. However, the majority of his career was spent at Electro-Voice in Buchanan where he traveled, worked, and lived in Carson City, California, Seattle, Washington, Plano, Texas, Sevierville, Tennessee and many other locations. He enjoyed the many friendships he made at each place he worked. Bill was a loving and supportive husband who cherished his only son and doted over his six grandchildren. Aside for the love he had for his family, he had a passion for growing vegetables and was well known for sharing his bounty of homegrown vegetables with his neighborhood. He also served his community by volunteering his time on the Buchanan Township Planning Commission and the United Federal Credit Board of Directors. Bill found tranquility and serenity while sitting and watching his Koi fish swim around in their pond for hours. As a proud graduate of Michigan State University, he joyfully watched and supported their basketball and football teams but also enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers. His compassion shined brightest through the love, care, and support he provided by adopting abused and neglected Boxers. The four canines, Casey, Lady, Lucy, and his absolute favorite, Stella were all welcomed with loving and open arms by Bill. Unfortunately, they have all crossed the rainbow bridge where they are now running freely and experiencing Bill’s unconditional love, warm embraces, and kisses once again.

Bill will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Deanna Braun of Buchanan; one son, Nicholas (Lyndsay) Braun of Niles; four granddaughters, Sydney, Nina, Zoey, and Skylar; two grandsons, Knox (his little texting buddy), and Rex.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Dorothy Shook, Martha Ann Braun; and brother-in-law, Tom Shook.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Bill at a later date and time, to be announced.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Bill be made to Great Lakes Boxer Rescue, 5196 North Vista Drive, Sanford, Michigan 48657 or the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan, 5400 Niles Road, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles. Please share a memory or a message online: halbritterwickens.com