Ivan A. Braem

Ivan A. Braem, age 92 of Alma passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN on June 14, 2015. Ivan was born in the Town of Lincoln, Buffalo County to Arno and Louisa (Huber) Braem. Ivan went to the Whelan Grade School right across from the family farm and then attended and graduated from Gilmanton High school. He furthered his education at the University of Madison, completing the agriculture short course. On May 4, 1946 he wed Cecelia Zeller at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Waumandee, WI. This union blessed them with seven children. Ivan continued his family legacy being the fourth generation of farming the family homestead, raising dairy cows, hogs, and chickens. His favorite past time when he wasn’t farming, was ballroom dancing with Cecelia. They were avid members of the local dance club of Fountain City/ Winona. Ivan loved to do woodworking, building furniture and crafting stools and other items that Cecelia would do paintings on. Ivan would also assist Cecelia, painstakingly transporting her home made wedding cakes. He was an accomplished photographer too, taking many pictures of Cecelia’s flower gardens on the farm. Ivan enjoyed driving his antique cars and tractors, and giving rides in “Chiity” his fondly named 1929 Ford Model A. Ivan was truly a family man, often taking them to Door County or to the Minnesota State Fair on trips. The most treasured trips though, were to watch the sunset on Lake Pepin while having root beer and ice cream. Ivan adored his grandchildren; they were his pride and joy. Ivan will remain forever in the hearts of his loving wife Cecelia, sons Larry(Dianna) of Sacred Heart, MN, Carleton (Cindy) of Winona, MN, Warren (Brenda) of Alma, WI, daughters Lori (Mark) Klatt of Bloomer, WI, Cheryl Kruger of Plainview, MN, and Lynn (Joe) Tschumper of La Crosse, daughter in law Marilyn Braem of Richmond, MN, his 17 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, his in laws Michaelene Heinz, Ann Zeller, Rita Foegen, Cletus Zeller, and Francis and Vickie Zeller. Also numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Ivan was preceded in death by his parents, his son Brian, his in laws Roscoe Zeller, Elaine Zeller, Norbert Foegen, and Ray Heinz. A Mass of Christian burial and visitation will be at St. Boniface Catholic Church on Friday June 19, 2015 with visitation beginning at 11:00AM with Mass at 1:00PM. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Talbot Family Funeral Homes of Alma- Cochrane was honored to assist the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com