Cathy Jane Braund

A Celebration of Life for Cathy Jane Braund

Cathy Jane (Gruen) Braund, a woman whose life was a testament to faith, joy, and sacrificial love, entered her heavenly home on October 2, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born to Edward and Anita (Zellmar) Gruen on June 20, 1950, in Wilton, Wisconsin, Cathy was raised on the family dairy farm. Her deep Christian faith began at St. John's Lutheran Church in Wilton, where she was baptized on July 30, 1950, and later confirmed, holding fast to the memory verse of “Father, to Thee my soul I lift; My soul on Thee depends; Convinced that every perfect gift; From Thee alone descends.”

Cathy graduated from Royall High School and continued her education at Madison Business College. Soon after, she married her high school sweetheart, Daniel Donald Braund, on June 12, 1971. Their 54 years of marriage were filled with wonderful memories and were the foundation of a loving, faithful family.

A Life of Service, Motherhood and Faith

To know Cathy was to know service, a dedication that began with her own family that generously extended to countless others. She served as a secretary at Fort McCoy, legal secretary for attorneys, and a night waitress at Country Kitchen while raising her children during the days. She found her passion and spent 35 devoted years as a special education aide in the Holmen Schools, holding a special place in her heart for serving children and setting high expectations for them. Her dedication to caring for children was lifelong: she served families with respite care, and in retirement provided daycare and became a certified foster parent to continue caring for babies and young children.

Cathy’s faith was foundational to how she lived and served others in the community. She rooted her family in faith beginning each day with Luther’s morning prayer, and singing “Jesus Loves Me”, “This Little Light of Mine” and other Christian songs. She served St. Paul's Lutheran Church for over 40 years as a Sunday School pre-school teacher, greeter and visiting home bound members. Cathy was an active member of the Holmen Viking Alumni committee, Meals on Wheels, and the Lioness.

A Legacy of Joy and Kindness

Cathy had a rare gift for seeing the good in everyone and making people feel loved, remembered, and special. She was an unwavering supporter of her children and grandchildren, attending sporting events, activities and life milestone celebrations. She enjoyed sending cards in the mail with hand-written notes and festive stickers with her signature phrase “XXOO, Love Always.”

She celebrated life’s simple pleasures like feeding ducks and fish, skipping stones on the lake, launching balloon rockets and giving sheet rides to her grandchildren. Her home was full of traditions—birthday compliments, dance parties in the kitchen, winter sledding events, bowling outings and spending time with her “soul sisters”. She also enjoyed planning annual family vacations, all dedicated to bringing others together and spreading joy. Cathy was happiest seeing everyone else happy. She loved to sing, had an empathy and care for everyone she met, and always had a joke on hand.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Daniel Braund, and their three children and grandchildren: Matthew (Rachel) and children Mason, Damien, and Caden. Marci (Mike) Kline and children Evan, Ellie, and Macy. Aaron (Becki) and children Annika, Jozie, Brooke, and Chesney. She is also survived by her brothers Robert and Richard Gruen, brother-in-law Duane Bacon, sisters-in-law Ida Braund and Nancy (Dave) Raiten and many cherished cousins, nieces and nephews.

Cathy is lovingly reunited with her parents, Edward and Anita Gruen, her sisters Laurie Gruen and Nancy Bacon, and sister-in-law Karen Gruen.

The family extends its sincere gratitude to Agrace Hospice Care for their compassionate service.

In loving memory of Cathy, "give a warm hug, hold a hand, laugh out loud, sing a song of joy, dance, tell someone you love them, count your blessings and praise Jesus."

Service Information

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 5th from 4pm-7pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 1201 Main Street, Onalaska, WI 54650. Funeral service will be held on Monday, October 6th at 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Brett Ehlke officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of service. A luncheon will follow the service.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Holmen Community Center, or Evergreen Elementary School.

I know that my Redeemer lives, therefore I know that I too shall live. The God of Peace be with you all. Romans 15:13.