The Superior Express -

Janice (Jan) Ann Braun, 67, of Davenport, the wife of Everett Braun was born on April 3, 1955, at Deshler.  She died Nov. 2, 2022 at Grand Island Regional Medical Center. She was baptized April 17, 1955, at Bethlehem Lutheran Kiowa, rural Deshler. Jan grew up in the Deshler area and attended elementary school at Bethlehem Lutheran Kiowa and St. Peters Lutheran Deshler. She graduated from Deshler Public High School in 1973. Post-secondary studies involved secretarial training and healthcare. She lived for a time in Lincoln, Deshler, Bloomfield, Sutton and Davenport.

Jan married Everett Braun on Sept. 14, 2002. She adopted two children, Vince Benes of Lincoln, Neb., and Bobby Benes of Springfield, Colo. during her previous marriage to Ben Benes.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold Loontjer and Betty Loontjer; and brothers, Wayne and Kenneth. 

Survivors include her children; Gary Loontjer and Russell Loontjer; and her grandchildren.

Jan constructed memory books and included many shared family activities in these books. She also created memory books for many children through the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Nebraska. When not scrapbooking, she was making greeting cards, crocheting, baking, cooking and playing cards. After her father and mother could no longer host family gatherings, she and Ev opened their home. Family and friends would crowd in to enjoy many days and nights of cards and conversation.   

Viewing is at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Davenport from 4 to 7 p.m., on Friday, and Saturday, one hour before the 11 a.m., funeral service at the church.