Clifford "Shorty" W. Braun

March 9, 1932 - October 16, 2017

Clifford W. "Shorty" Braun, age 85, of Fremont
Passed away Monday, October 16, 2017 at Dunklau Gardens in Fremont

Shorty was born on March 9, 1932 near Pender to Eddie and Alta (Paasch) Braun. He grew up in the Wisner area and attended Wisner schools. In February of 1950, he joined the Navy and was honorably discharged in June of 1953. He served as a member of the Naval Construction Battalions (SeaBees) posted to Subic Bay, Phillippine Islands, where he helped to clear jungle and build an airstrip.

On June 19, 1955 he was married to Cora A. "Corky" Blumer in Beemer. They lived in Wisner, then moved to Fremont in 1958. In 1963, the couple moved to a home on East First Street. In 2011, Shorty moved to Dunklau Gardens due to health issues.

Shorty worked at a gas station in Wisner until he moved to Fremont in 1958 to work at Hormel. His career at Hormel spanned multiple jobs over more than 35 years. He retired on Feb. 28, 1994.

He enjoyed working with his hands by repairing bicycles, building and sighting rifles, hunting mushrooms and fixing just about anything that was broken. He was a skilled woodcarver, creating animal carvings and diamond willow canes with patience and care. He also enjoyed being involved in as many of his grandsons' activities as possible

Shorty's life had been enriched in recent years by his caregiver companions, a group of women who shared meals, laughter, field trips and friendship with him. They are Sara Abington, Mary Caplin, Shirley O'Donnell, Barb Olson and Sandy Olson. Beth Brown, one of the original companions, passed one year ago (and probably greeted Shorty on arrival).

Survivors: Two daughters Wendy (John) Hestermann of Waverly
Peggy Braun of Omaha
Two grandsons Benjamin (Amy) Hestermann of Chicago
Logan Hestermann (fiancée Karen Ockander) of Waverly
One great-granddaughter
Brother-Melvin (Judy) Braun of Wisner
Sisters-Betty B. Eschliman of Wisner
Judy (Ray) Buhrman of Fremont
Trudy Nilges of Blair.
Sister-in-law-Shirley Braun

Shorty was preceded in death by his wife, parents, infant brother Ardel Braun, brothers Harold "Jug" Braun and Delwin Braun, infant sisters Arlene Braun and Mary Braun, sister Rose Ann Sims.

There will be a book signing and visitation with the family at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel Thursday, October 19th from 6 to 8 pm. A Celebration of Life service for Shorty will be Friday morning at 10:30 am at Dunklau Gardens in the Olson Chapel with U.S. Flag presentation to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for distribution to Shorty's favorite charities.

Online guestbook @ www.ludvigsenmortuary.com

Obituary Provided By:
Freeman Funeral Home
1249 E. 23rd St.
Fremont, NE  68025
www.ludvigsenmortuary.com