Jacob Braunberger

Jacob “Jake” Braunberger passed away March 3, 2020 in Jamestown Medical Center, three weeks after celebrating his 100th birthday with family and friends.

Jake was born in McClusky, ND on February 9, 1920 to Maggie and Ludwig Braunberger. He was a graduate of McClusky High School.

Jake enlisted in the US Navy in 1941, then trained as Navy Pier, Chicago, IL and later in Norfolk, VA. He spent eight months at a submarine base in Panama before being assigned to Landingship LSM #312. Jake served two years in the South Pacific and was honorably discharged as Chief Motor Machinist Mate in November 1945.

He returned to Jamestown where he met and fell in love with his wife of 73 years, Julia “Judy” Malinski. They married March 15, 1947.

Jake went to work for Northern Pacific Railroad as a brakeman and later a conductor. It seemed both odd and strange to see our dad dressed up to go to work as a conductor. After 31 years of railroading he retired and found life renewed.

Our dad was possibly one of the first to have his own “Man Cave” as we refer to them today. It was his garage and workshop. There amongst his saws and tools could be found a radio for his country western music and Twins games, a fridge with cold beverage of choice, apples and produce from the backyard and maybe even a cigar or two.

He found peace and tranquility in working with his hands and making all things of wood, from roll top desks to his Post Office Banks. Dad took pride in his workmanship and also in his annual garden.

He could grow almost anything and it seemed bigger and better every year (for the most part…) but heaven help the critters that messed with his garden, especially cats! (and that’s a whole other story).

We will remember the little things: he was a man of few words, so when he spoke we listened, he could fix anything or improvise, he liked country music and, in the day, enjoyed dancing. Wore cowboy boots until he couldn’t anymore. In retirement he looked forward to coffee with his railroad buddies until he was the only one left…but their jokes live on. He seldom missed watching or listening to a Twins game. He would have no doubt been a little disappointed this season. He truly enjoyed gardening. For about the past five or so years he would say, “This is my last year.” 2019 was his final garden.

Just as our dad watched over and nurtured his garden, he first and foremost cared for, protected and found joy in his family. He loved all of us equally. We miss him.

In life he was our compass.

He now remains our North Star.

Jake is survived by his wife, Judy, Jamestown; six children: Sandra Collins, Menomonee Falls, WI; Gary (Jody) Braunberger, Bismarck, ND; Rae Ann (Jerry) Palmer, Sioux City, IA; Steven Braunberger, Jamestown; Brad (Kody) Braunberger, Dickinson, ND; Allyson (Brad) Cunningham, Bettendorf, IA. Seven grandchildren: John Collins, WI; Jessica (Chris) Meier, TX; Meagan Gomez, MN; Katlin (Justin) Vetsch, FL; Hunter Braunberger, ND; Jacob Braunberger, Jr., ND; Taylor Braunberger, MI. Four great-grandchildren: AJ and Johnathan Meier; Austyn and Landry Vetsch

He was preceded in death by: infant daughter, Paula; daughter-in-law, Tammara; parents, Maggie and Ludwig; sisters, Alma, Lorraine, Deloris, Verna and Betty Lou; brothers, Irvin and Rueben.

Memorial Service: 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 28, 2020 at First United Methodist Church, Jamestown.

The family and church request masks be worn by those who attend and social distancing will be practiced.

Interment: 3:00 p.m., Friday, August 28, 2020 at North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to V.F.W. or a charity of your choice in Jake’s name appreciated.

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