Kathleen Marie Braun

In Loving Memory of Kathleen Braun

It is with a heavy heart; the family of Kathleen Braun shares her passing. She loved her family, she loved her community, and she lived life well. She will be missed but will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

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Kathleen Braun (86) of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, after battling complications resulting from a fall.

Kathy was born on August 16, 1939 in Iowa City, IA to Ida Marie (Nelson) Gray and Robert Gray. Her father was in the U.S. military, so the family moved frequently throughout the United States and lived briefly in Germany.

She graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.A. and obtained a master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa.

She met the love of her life, Bob Braun, while attending the University of Iowa. They married in Atlantic, Iowa on June 12, 1961. Together they built a wonderful life sharing many adventures and raising a family in Waterloo.

She is survived by her loving husband, children, and grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of her life. Children: Heather (Braun) Boyer (Jean Maurice); Paul Braun (Melissa) and Grandchildren: Gabe Braun (Eve); Clare (Braun) Renner (Cole); Grace Braun; Nicolas Boyer. She is also survived by her brother Bob Gray (Jane) and a niece and four nephews.

Kathy enjoyed staying active with walking, running and biking, water skiing at Holiday Lake and snow skiing, plus taking walks near the ocean looking for sea glass. She was always on the look-out for experiences to learn through reading and traveling, attending music and theater performances, joining a study group, or attending author talks and science lectures at Harbor Branch in Florida. She particularly enjoyed showing the world to her children and grandchildren.

Kathy’s life was also defined by her commitment to making a difference both in and beyond her community. She believed strongly in supporting the arts, environmental efforts, and various non-profits.

Throughout her life, Kathy held numerous leadership positions and participated in non-profit boards, too numerous to name. She served all with enthusiasm and vigor.

Kathy’s professional journey reflected her passion for helping and guiding others. She began her career as a teacher of English and biology in Lone Tree Community Schools and then taught at Waterloo East High. Afterwards, she worked as a volunteer coordinator for Cedar Valley United Way, as a travel advisor for Shorts Travel Service, and for many years as a legal investigator for the law firm of Dutton, Braun, Staack, and Hellman.

Kathy will be remembered for her love of life and the positive impact she made on everyone around her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of her loved ones, friends, and the community she served.

Come celebrate the life of Kathleen Braun at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, Iowa, on June 20, 2026, with service from 1:00 – 1:30 pm and Celebration of Life with visitation to follow from 1:30 – 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, lease consider donating to the Waterloo Community Foundation Kathleen and Robert Braun Charitable Fund or a non-profit of your choice.

Locke at Tower Park is assisting the family. Locke at Tower Park, 319-233-3146.