TRAVERSE CITY — William R. Braun, 87, a resident of the area since 1952, died Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at Country Pleasures Assisted Living. Born April 12, 1924, in Sheboygan, Wis., he was the son of William F. and Louise (Phalen) Braun. On Feb. 14, 1953, in Grand Rapids, he married Beulah "Bea" M. Humpf, who preceded him in death on June 9, 1997.Bill retired from Consumers Energy as an electrical engineer. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1949 after serving his country honorably in the U.S. Army for three years, including service in France, Belgium, Germany and Austria, with the 20th Armored Division. He was a member of the First Congregational Church, Northwesters Club of Consumer Energy Retirees and a life member of the Grand Traverse Bay Power Squadron. In addition to power boating, Bill enjoyed model railroading.Surviving Bill are his two sons, Frederick W. and K.C. Braun; a daughter, Elizabeth "Beth" (Chris) Keister; a granddaughter, Amy Keister, all of Traverse City; brother, Robert John (Ruth) Braun, of Sheboygan, Wis.; two sisters-in-law, Joan Braun, of Anitgo, Wis., and Jewel Braun, of Sarasota, Fla.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Frederick W. and Nohl A. Braun; a sister, Janet Kluz; and two sisters-in-law, Janice Braun and Virginia Braun.A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, at the First Congregational Church, with a visitation held one hour prior. Dr. Gary Hogue will officiate. Burial will be in the Church Garden of Remembrance.Memorial contributions may be directed to the First Congregational Church, 6105 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686-1923; or the ARC of Grand Traverse, PO Box 204, Traverse City, MI 49685-204. Please sign Bill's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.