RAPID CITY - Louis F. Braun, 96, died Monday, November 10, 2008, at Westhills Health Care Center in Rapid City, SD. Louis was born in Bristol, SD, on September 26, 1912, to Augusta and Fred Braun. He attended school in Bristol and in Webster, SD. Following his graduation from high school, he completed a correspondence course in sales. Louis enjoyed employment in retail sales during the 30's, 40's and 50's. This interest enabled Louis and Myrene to begin Braun's, a women's apparel business in Rapid City. Their sons Warren and Wayne later joined that business. He also served in Civil Service at Rapid City Army Air Base during WWII and attended night classes at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. In 1936 Louis married his wife of 72 years, Myrene Strand of Roslyn, SD. The couple moved briefly to Mapleton, MN and then on to Rapid City in 1943 where they raised their four sons Charles, David, Wayne and Warren. Louis and his family were active at Trinity Lutheran Church. Louis, with his fine voice and love of music, sang in the church choir and served on numerous boards. He had many other talents and interests as well, such as gardening, writing poetry, story telling, fishing, making Rhubarb wine and carpentry. He was also active as a leader in the Boy Scouts of America. During their retirement Myrene and Louis traveled extensively, including five trips to Norway, and trips to Europe, Australia and New Zealand. He also became very active in fine wood working. An inveterate problem solver, Louis loved to understand how things work and always sought to find better ways of doing almost anything. In his latest years Louis was very proud to be granted three U.S. patents. Mr. Braun is survived by his wife, Myrene, his brother Gil Braun of Edina, MN; his four sons, Charles (Kathy) of Norwich, VT; David (Ann) of Woodbury, MN; and Wayne (Susie) and Warren (Stefani) of Rapid City, SD. He has seven grandchildren, David (Charles and Kathy); Jennifer and Steve (David and Ann); Travis and Laura (Wayne and Susie); Justin and Erik (Warren and Stefani); and seven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Myrtle, and his granddaughter, Sarah (Charles and Kathy). His family was his greatest joy. He was indeed, an excellent husband, father, citizen, and friend to all who knew and loved him. Visitation will be from 3:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. Friday, November 14, 2008 at the Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. A service for family and friends will be Saturday, November 15, at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Wilbur Holz and Rev. Al Jacobson officiating. Interment will be at the Pine Lawn Memorial Park. In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to the Myrene and Louis Braun Scholarship fund at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, the Children's Home Society or the Trinity Lutheran Church Foundation.