George Jacob Braun was born on a bright June day in 1938 in Winnipeg and passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026, at St. Boniface Hospital, with his family at his side.
A devoted husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather, George lived a life defined by hard work, quiet strength, curiosity, and a deep love for the people around him. He had a gentle sense of humour and an eagerness to keep learning throughout his life.
George grew up on a farm in Ste. Elizabeth, Manitoba, where he worked for the family, shared endless fun and made countless memories with his siblings and cousins. While he embraced the life and lessons the farm gave him, George soon realized that his dreams stretched beyond the farm’s horizon. After completing high school he set out for the “big city” of Winnipeg to build a life of his own.
George eventually found what became one of his greatest sources of pride and happiness: a country home just outside the city in the RM of Springfield. It was there that he and his beloved wife, Dell, built the heart of their family. George began his career with the provincial government, where he worked faithfully for 38 years before retiring in 1995, further to volunteer his time for yet another 18 years. But his greatest accomplishment was the life he built with Dell. They married in 1970 and spent 56 years together, raising their three children, Jeffrey, Michelle, and Marc.
George took great pride in the property he and Dell created together. He planted virtually every tree and flower, tending the grounds with patience and care and turning their home into a welcoming place for family and friends.
His children often teased him about his many quirks, but those qualities were part of what made George so special. He was always eager to explore a new subject, from astronomy and horticulture to art and music, and he enjoyed sharing what he discovered with others.
George also developed a passion for stained glass, learning the craft and creating beautiful pieces that will be cherished by his family. His work reflected his patience, creativity, and appreciation for beauty.
Perhaps nothing brought George greater happiness than having his people around him. He loved hosting family celebrations, dinners with friends, and gatherings of all kinds. A house full of conversation, laughter, family, and friends was where George was happiest.
When the country property eventually became too much to maintain, George and Dell embraced another new adventure. In 2012, they built a home in Winnipeg, where George continued to enjoy caring for plants and creating a warm, inviting place for those he loved.
In November 2023, George and Dell moved to assisted living at Bergen Gardens. He made new friends, nurtured flower pots on the balcony, continued to pursue his interests, and even took up the lively game of Bingo.
George was the son of Gerhard and Agnes Braun, first-generation Canadians from Tieghanhagan, South Russia. George is survived by his older sister Margaret, sisters-in-law Margaret and Ericka, brother-in-law Peter, many nieces, nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, John, Henry and Leonard and his sister Ruth.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Dell, of 56 years; his children Jeffrey (Rhonda), Michelle (Dave), and Marc; and his grandchildren Dalton, Alexis, and Ryan, who brought him immeasurable joy.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the nurses and support staff at Bergen Gardens, the team at St. Boniface Hospital Unit 6AW Cardiology, and Dr. Tam, whose care, compassion, and kindness supported George and his family through his final days.
The memorial service will be held Monday, October 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., followed by a lunch reception. A private family interment will take place afterward in Ste. Elizabeth, returning George to the place where his story first began.
George’s legacy lives on in the gardens he planted, the art he created, the knowledge he shared, and the love he gave so freely. His curiosity, kindness, and gentle humour will be remembered always.