Doris Lucille Larson Braun's Obituary
Doris, aka Mom, aka "The Gram", was born on the farm, in St. Charles, Minnesota, to father, Arthur Larson, and mother, Gertrude Granger. Siblings were Donnie, Verna and Beth.
Life was challenging during the Depression, and Arthur share chropped to make ends meet. Doris saw the struggles her family endured and decided she did not want the farm life for her future.
Doris' Mom died when Doris was finishing high school and this challenged her to earn her high school diploma. She waitressed after school, babysat and still maintained exemplary grades.
After high school graduation, while babysitting for a farm family near the Mississippi River, she met the man, (Harry Braun), who would sweep her off her feet and change her life course. The family said Braun was robbing the cradle as he was several years older than Mom. Remembering her own family's heartaches on the farm, Doris told 'Braun' the farm life was not for her.
Braun took this to heart and trained to become a welder. This led to their move 'out west' to Tacoma Washington, with their meager treasures of a tea kettle and an ironing board. Life on Puget Sound began, though Doris never forgot her Minnesota roots.
Doris and Braun started a family and welcomed daughter, Lois Diane followed by Barbara Ann and then son James Warren. Doris was a faithful and active member of Mason Methodist Church for decades and formed many lasting friendships.
Doris loved bowling, road trips, especially to Mt. Rainier, listening to Don Williams singing "I Believe In Love". Willie Nelson and the Eagles were also favorites. Doris was always on the lookout for a diner with homemade pie. She never met a pie she didn't like! Doris nurtured roses and beautiful blue hydrangeas along with the white picket fence in the front yard of the family home. Doris was also a prolific poet and expressed her thoughts through her heartfelt poems.
Doris has a supportive role in her granddaughter, Penny Taylor's life. Her Colorado grandchildren also have many wonderful memories of their Gram.
Survivors are: Lois Rollag, Barbara Kelleher, James Braun, Penny Taylor, Amy Ballain, Jenny Rutherford, Katy Mitchell, Hailey Huffman, Derek Ballain, Taylor Ballain and Parker Sandoval.
Doris wrote this poem for all to enjoy.
"Ode To Mt. Rainier"
Oh, mountain high and beautiful
Your snowy peak all marbled
Stands against a sky of varied hues
And reigns o'er this northwestern land
Oh, mountain high and wonderful,
The foothills kneeling at your feet,
Pay homage to your majesty,
And make you king of this retreat.
Your fires were smothered long ago
Within your breast you stilled the flame.
You learned to live with inner peace,
And thus have earned a call to fame.
Impart to us your steadfast calm
To borrow for this troubled world.
That we may know tranquility,
And keep the flag of peace unfurled
Doris Braun
date unknown
What’s your fondest memory of Doris?
What’s a lesson you learned from Doris?
Share a story where Doris' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Doris you’ll never forget.
How did Doris make you smile?
