Michael Charles Braun

BRAUN, Michael C.
Kalamazoo, MI


Died Monday evening August 27, 2018 at his residence. Michael was born June 18, 1967 in Fairview Park, Ohio a son of James and Cynthia (Cullen) Braun. He had been a Kalamazoo area resident most of his life. Michael was employed as a master faculty specialist in the Department of Spanish at Western Michigan University. He joined the Spanish faculty full-time in the fall of 2004 after teaching Spanish methodology at WMU on a part-time basis for four years. His many responsibilities included overseeing the Spanish Secondary Education Program. Michael began his career by teaching all five levels of Spanish for 12 years at Portage Northern High School. In 2015-16, he was the recipient of the College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Achievement Award in Teaching. In 2017, Michael was awarded the Barbara Ort-Smith award from the Michigan World Language Association; the most prestigious distinction an educator in the field of world languages can receive in the state of Michigan. This year, Michael will be honored with the 2018 Distinguished Teaching Award, the highest honor WMU bestows in recognition of exemplary professional competence. Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Cynthia on December 19, 1978. He is survived by his father, James (Joani) Braun of Elk Rapids, MI; a brother, James (Mary Jo) Braun of Naperville, IL; six step-siblings: Daniel (Shannon) Williams, Jenifer (Matt) Thomas, Chad (Kathy) Williams, Lindy Bishop, Tracy (Keith) Zahller, and Nicky (Bill) Tobin; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held 1 o'clock Saturday, September 8th from the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th St. Friends may begin to gather one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Private burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Michael's memory be made to the WMU Department of Spanish. Checks should be made payable to the "WMU Foundation" with "in memory of Michael Braun" in the memo line. Or use the "MyWMU" online link to the Memorial Fund for Professor Michael Braun. Please visit Michael's personalized Webpage for directions, online guestbook, or to leave a condolence. www.langelands.com.