Emma Jean Braun, age 94, of Highland, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Greenville Nursing and Rehab Center in Greenville, IL.
On March 18, 1932, she was born to Walter and Verna (nee Gerlach) Mines, in Sparta, IL.
In 1951, she married Robert A. “Bob” Braun, who passed away December 16, 2001. They started their family in Sparta, IL., then in 1968, they moved to Highland and built a home on St. Rose Road.
Emma is survived by her children, Bruce Braun of Galatia, IL, and Connie (Don) Frank of Highland, IL; son-in-law, Steve Korte of Highland, IL; grandchildren, Marina (Mark) Stang, Nicholas Braun, Carrie (Darren) Bircher, Renee (Fiancé-Joe) Korte, Colin (Jayna) Frank and Devon (Katelyn) Frank; and 12 great grandchildren.
Emma is preceded in death by her husband; parents; daughter, Debbie K. Korte; and siblings, Walter “JR” (Lucille) Mines, Jr., Opal (Arthur “Rags”) Ragland, Bernell “Barney” (Lillian) Mines, Val Jean (Donald) “Ike” Eaton and Judith (Ronald) Schultz.
Emma attended eight-corner schoolhouse in Schuline, Illinois, through the eighth grade. She later graduated from Sparta High School.
As a devoted, long-time member of Hope Lutheran Church, Emma served her congregation through her active involvement in the Evangeline Committee, the Altar Guild, and the Cradle Roll. She also dedicated many years of service to her community as a proud member of the Highland VFW Auxiliary.
Emma was a creative and sharp-minded woman who found joy in quiet pleasures. She spent countless hours crocheting, painting, bingo, crafting, and reading. She also loved the challenge of a good puzzle. Above all else, her greatest joy in life was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.
In her later years, Emma enjoyed the companionship of several community homes. She resided at Cedarhurst for three years starting in 2015, lived at Highland Home until 2024, and briefly moved to San Gabriel before recently transitioning to Greenville Nursing & Rehab.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church in Highland, with Pastor Scott Busacker presiding. Interment will follow at Highland City Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m., at Hope Lutheran Church in Highland.
In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, memorials may be made to American Heart Association, Alzheimer’s Association or Hope Lutheran Church and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 1501 9th St., Highland, IL 62249, who is serving the family.
