Leona F. Braun, nee Sommer, 98, of Freeburg, IL, born October 1, 1926, in Baldwin, IL, died peacefully at her residence, surrounded by her children, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
Leona started her school years in a one-room schoolhouse near Baldwin IL, at one point being taught by her sister, Lena. She, along with her husband Joseph, operated Braun’s Jewelry store in downtown Belleville. She was a long-time member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Freeburg.
When her family was young, there were many summer vacations taken from coast to coast that created fond memories for her children, and some fun reel-to-reel movies that still exist today. She was an excellent cook and baker, and she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed family visits and celebrations over the years with her many brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews on both sides of the family. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Leona was preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, Joseph W. Braun, whom she married on January 3, 1953, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Hecker, IL, and who died on May 17, 2019; her parents, Ferdinand and Emilie, née Luebkemann, Sommer; her parents-in-law, William and Eleanora, Schilling, Braun; seven sisters, Goldie Bollmeir, Lena Behnken, Augusta Ohm, Ella Falkenhein, Mathilda Sommer, Emilie Sommer and Frieda Sommer; four brothers, Fred Sommer, Louie Sommer, Ferd Sommer, and Rudolph Sommer; seven sisters-in-law, Mary Lauer, Loretta Schmidt, Hildegard Cook, Eleanora Braun (infant), Ruth Braun, Irma Braun, and Helen Sommer; twelve brothers-in-law, Arkell Bollmeir Sr, Charlie Behnken, Leonard Ohm, Adolph Falkenhein, Milton Lauer, Orville Schmidt Sr, Kenneth Cook, Albert Braun, Edwin Braun, Herman Braun, Peter Braun(infant), and Alexander Braun (infant); five nephews, Orville Schmidt Jr, Joseph Lauer, Wayne Behnken, Thomas Braun, and Nolan Falkenhein; and three nieces, Cindy Whitehead, Joyce Dannenbrink, and Jane Hass.
Surviving are her daughter, Deborah Kennett; three sons, Robert Braun, Donald Braun, and Michael Braun; three grandchildren, Dayna (Kenneth) Ostempowski, Kimberly (Jason) Busiek, and Matthew (Emily) Kennett; three great-grandchildren, Henry Kennett, Ella Kennett, and Leona Busiek; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Freeburg, IL or to donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2025, and from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Freeburg, IL.
Funeral: Funeral procession will leave at 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2025, from George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Freeburg, IL, for a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Freeburg, IL, with Fr. Michael Arockiam officiating.
Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
