Richard William Braun

Richard “Rick” William Braun, 65, passed away March 10, 2017 in Caldwell, Idaho. He was born November 22, 1951 to Walter and June Braun in Whiting, Indiana. He grew up and attended school in Hammond, Indiana and spending the summers working on his uncle’s farm in Weiser, Idaho. He went on to attend college at TVCC in Ontario, Oregon, Harlaxton Manor in Grantham, England and at the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana. Rick, loving life out west, moved out to Apple Valley and began a 32 year teaching career in Parma, Idaho. He taught Honors Government, History, Photography, Student Government and Psychology. He also coached soft ball and volleyball. Rick was passionate about teaching, coaching and fundraising for his students. After leaving the high school, he would often run into former students who voiced their appreciation for the time and consideration that he took to make sure that every kid went on the senior trip, every kid could have equipment for the teams they wished to go out for and that every kid could graduate. He often remarked to his children that teaching was one of the most meaningful things that he did in his life, helping a kid from a small rural town connect to a global world and find their value in it. While teaching in Parma, he met the love of his life, Sandra Hartung, after they were set up on a blind date by mutual students. Rick and Sandy were wed on December 30, 1981 and shared many wild adventures, including three opinionated and loud mouthed children: Sarah, Tom and June. Rick was a devoted and caring father. He took pride in frequent “discussions” with his children, calling attention to the way that they thought about the world and their place in it. He loved long summer road trips to Chicago, belting out Carol King, Carlie Simon and the Beatles. He cherished time at the family cabin, getting out-fished by his wife Sandy. Rick was the handiest and most creative man that ever lived, evidenced in his years of fixing up an old home with his particular wife with a flair for the eccentric. He was devoted to creating and building comfort and satisfaction for those he loved. Rick became “Papa Rick” in 2009, to Teagan Elizabeth Andrade, and then in 2015, to Oliver Patrick Andrade. He will forever be remembered as a loving, kind and devoted grandpa. Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Wally and June Braun, and his wife Sandy Braun. He is survived by his brothers: Robert (Audrey) Braun, Randy (Ann) Braun, Rod (Ann) Braun; children, Sarah (Josh) Andrade, Thomas (Ashton) Braun and June Braun; grandchildren, Teagan and Oliver Andrade; and by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. A viewing will be held on Friday, March 17, 2017 from 9:00 to 10:30 AM at Flahiff Funeral Chapel with the funeral starting at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at Canyon Hill Cemetery. Service Information