Rich “Pop-Pop” Braunschweig, age 76 of Shelton, passed away unexpectedly from a massive heart attack at 11:41pm on July 4th, 2022. Our family lost our guiding light too soon. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Braunschweig; his two daughters and their husbands, his five grandchildren, his fourteen great grandchildren and his seven siblings. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He Lived

Rich met his soul mate, Carol in high school as a senior in Ada, Minnesota. He had to leave her behind in 1965 to find employment after he graduated. He migrated to Washington State to look for work and fell in love with the beauty of Washington. He always called Washington “God’s Country” because of the magnificent mountain views, large bodies of water and mild climate. Before he could get back to Carol, he was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam war. Carol agreed to meet him where he was stationed after she graduated from beauty school. Their love endured, flourished, and grew after they married in Chicago in 1967. Rich told Carol, “Hun, we are going to live in Washington”, so with fifty dollars in his pocket, a 1961 Impala with bald tires they crossed the mountain passes in December to start their new life.

Soon after settling in Kent, they were expecting their first baby, Tammie, and things were a bit of a struggle. Rich wanted to buy a new car, but Carol was skeptical of the timing. “Hun, we are getting the car, you can pick from brown or green”, reluctantly she went with the green 1969 Chevelle. Since he bought the new car, they couldn’t pay the hospital bill for the baby and had to make payments on her for two years. Nevertheless, it all worked out and a second baby, Tawnya was born five years later.

Rich was talented with his hands. He worked as a carpenter, window fabrication foreman and owned his own contracting company. He could figure out any problem, do mental math like a genius and lay out complicated jobs quickly. He coupled his talent with a compassionate, loving heart that would help anyone, anytime, anywhere. He was a true leader, but not bossy. He could see talent in others and encouraged them until they saw their true abilities. His love for building continued during retirement by creating unique, bright, fun bird houses.

He Loved

His true passion was his family. He was a loving husband for 55 years, devoted and true. Rich had the love story that everyone wants, high school sweethearts that made it through all life’s challenges with love stronger than ever. Their love was undying, strong, gentle, silly, fun and they were and always will be soulmates. His heart was full. He loved.

He was a wonderful dad, always proud of both his daughter’s accomplishments in life. He was always there when his kids needed him the most. The passion continued with his grandchildren; you would see him patiently teaching them how to fish, build, put toys together and live a good life. He was never one to brag, but he did about his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved seeing how his family has thrived and he could see himself in his grandchildren and great grandchildren. They made him laugh and smile, his heart was full. He loved.

Rich’s love extended beyond family to his many friends. He touched many peoples lives with his love and helpfulness. He was a bright spot in any gathering with his wonderful sense of humor and sharp wit. The family thanks everyone for their support and kinds words. He Loved.

Rich knew what was important in life and noticed the small things in nature. He loved watching birds, ducks, squirrels, deer, really any type of wildlife. You were apt to catch him with his binoculars looking in the sky or across the lake. He loved beautiful sunsets, traveling to exotic places, snow birding in Arizona, fishing and good food. Rich made the world a better place, he will be missed by his family and friends daily. The only solace is knowing that he will be there waiting for us to arrive with open arms and a big smile. He loved.

I Corinthians 13:7&13

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 

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