Rose Braun

Rose Mary Braun, 94, formerly of Rosholt, South Dakota, passed away peacefully at home on July 15, 2026, in Spearfish, South Dakota, surrounded by the love of her family.

Funeral Mass will be Friday, July 24, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Rosholt with Father Ken Lulf officiating. Music will be provided by organist Lana Sand and vocalist Dennis Foley.

Burial will be in the St. Nicholas Cemetery, rural Rosholt. Honorary pallbearers will be Samantha Bleiler, Patricia Braun, and Dustin Braun. Active pallbearers will be Matt Braun, Jacob Braun, Jeremy Braun, Justin Braun, Laurie Baumgartner, Russell Hansen, Katie Braun, and Jenny Kuester.

Visitation will be Friday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. with a Rosary at 9:30 a.m. at the church.

Rose was born to Otto and Amelia (Goerdt) Keller on August 1, 1931, in Breckenridge, Minnesota. She was the second-youngest of six children. She attended school in Tintah, Minnesota, traveling by horse and buggy until the eighth grade. Raised on a farm, Rose spent much of her childhood helping with chores, including riding horseback to graze cattle. 

Rose met the love of her life, Mervin Braun, at a Bapp's Barn dance. After a whirlwind three-month courtship, they were married on November 6, 1951. Following Mervin's discharge from the Army, they made their home in New Effington before eventually settling on the Braun family farm near Rosholt. 

Together they were blessed with six children. Rose devoted herself to raising her family and caring for their home. She often joked that she didn't truly learn how to cook until after she was married, but anyone who tasted her homemade caramel rolls knew she had certainly mastered it. She was also active in the Catholic Church, serving with the Ladies Aid and teaching catechism. 

Rose found joy in quilting, embroidery, gardening, canning, making rosaries, and searching for treasures at garage sales. She never passed up a good bargain. 

Later, Rose and Mervin moved to Fargo, North Dakota, where she operated a day care from their home. They spent countless weekends camping and fishing with their family and enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, often planning trips around polka dances. One of Rose's favorite adventures was traveling to Europe with her daughter, Sandy, where she watched the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night—a memory she treasured. 

As the years went by, Rose and Mervin spent many winters in Mission, Texas. After Mervin's passing in 2012, Rose found companionship with Jim Dewey in 2014. Together they continued to travel, laugh, and enjoy life's adventures. 

In August 2025, Rose moved to Spearfish to live with Gayle and Katie Braun. During her final year, she filled her days making precious memories with her family. Whether it was going to the fair, dancing, sightseeing throughout the Black Hills, or enjoying her favorite Jim Beam and 7 Up—Rose embraced every moment with her signature spirit. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, Matt and Katie, and she certainly kept her caregivers, Bryan and Kim, on their toes with her endless energy. 

Rose was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mervin; her daughters, Sandra and Diane (in infancy); her parents; and her siblings. 

She is lovingly survived by her children, Larry Braun, Ronald (Marcheta) Braun, Scot Braun, and Kristi (Marlon) Braun-Griggs; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her special family: Gayle Braun, Keith and Sue Fraase, Aubrey Johnson, and Alivia Onchuck. 

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we are deeply grateful for the 94 wonderful years Rose shared with us. We find comfort knowing that her earthly journey is complete and that she is once again reunited with Mervin. Go now, take his hand, and dance together beneath Heaven's skies.