Russell Martin Braun
Russell Martin Braun, a resident of Sitka from 1959 to 2009, died in his sleep in Lacey, Washington, on January 26. He was 86.
Services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 19, at Lacey Presbyterian, 3045 Carpenter Road SE, Lacey, WA 98503.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lacey Presbyterian or Panorama Benevolent Fund.
Russ was born in Fowler, California, January 15, 1933, one of four children of Oscar Martin and Florence Bell Braun. He graduated from Fresno State College in 1955.
Russ was proud of his service in the U.S. Army, serving two years stationed in Germany in the late 1950s. When he returned home, Russ taught at Dorsey High School in Los Angeles, California.
He came to Sitka in 1959 to teach at Sheldon Jackson High School, a Presbyterian mission school.
In June 1963, Russ married Martha Lou (Marty) Osborne, and they raised their two sons, Bill and David, in Sitka.
When Sheldon Jackson High closed in 1967, Russ was offered work at Mt. Edgecumbe High School teaching art, wood shop, metal shop and mechanical drawing.
His true passion was helping students from all over Alaska create Native arts after school. When Mt. Edgecumbe High closed, Russ took early retirement. He then spent his time utilizing his carpentry skills, building three duplexes.
He also continued to enjoy wood carving and painting. Later, he joined Pioneers of Alaska and was honored to serve as the Grand President in 2008.
Russ was always active in a Presbyterian Church, giving his life to Jesus. At Sitka’s First Presbyterian Church he served as an elder and a deacon as well as a choir member, and also lead the Mariners outreach organization.
In 2009, Russ and Marty moved to Panorama Retirement Community in Lacey, after their home burned down in Sitka. He enjoyed the wood shop, gardening, and The Panorama Chorus. His bass was much needed and appreciated, as well as his ability to read music and to always hit the right notes. He belonged to the Lacey Presbyterian Church where he was also in the choir.
Russ is survived by his wife of 55 years, Martha Lou, of Lacey; two sons, Bill (Sally) and David, both of Olympia, Washington; three sisters, Joyce Smith of Fresno, California, Grace Griffin (Richard) of Bellingham, Washington, and Marge Eckloff (Steve) of Kent, Washington; and many nieces and nephews.
Russ will be remembered for his smile, helpfulness, Alaskan pride, talent in the arts and love of the Lord.
The link to the funeral home is https://woodlawn-funeralhome.com/obituaries/russell-martin-braun/900/.
