Richard “Dick” K. Braem, age 96, of Marshfield, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Friday, February 27, 2026.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Friday, March 6, 2026, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Marshfield. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM and continue until the time of service. Rev. Dan Thelen will officiate, and the service will be streamed online at www.facebook.com/rembsfuneralhomes. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 54 – Marshfield at the church. Burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Marshfield will take place at a later date. Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Born March 16, 1929, in Marshfield to Fred and Grace (Truhler) Braem, Dick graduated from Marshfield High School in 1947 and proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1952. On July 31, 1954 he married Bonnie DeJarlais at St. John’s. Together they lived a life of love and raised 7 children.

He dedicated 32 years to the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier. Dick and Bonnie (who was a nurse) often joked about who walked more steps each day. Dick could recall anyone’s address in Marshfield without hesitation. After retiring in 1984, he worked part-time as an outreach driver for Marshfield Clinic. Later, Dick and Bonnie relocated to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, where he enjoyed golf and card games for seven years, until they moved back to Marshfield to be closer to family again.

Sports and staying active were lifelong passions for Dick. He played basketball in high school and continued playing in the Navy and old-timer leagues into his seventies. In the early 1970s, he coached basketball at Saint John’s grade school, and if he runs into any of the boys he coached, they still affectionately call him “Coach” to this day. Softball leagues with his buddies were also a huge part of his life, which included city championships and the old-timer league. Golf was another lifelong passion. He rarely missed a sporting event for his kids and attended as many as he could for his grandchildren.

He cherished coffee dates with friends, dancing and singing with his wife of 72 years, and was especially proud of his children and grandchildren. You always knew if he was there because you could hear his laugh and see his big smile. He laughed and loved with his whole heart - if you knew him, you loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; children: Richard (Kay) Braem of Janesville, WI; Michael Braem of Easley, SC; Jan Zahr of Apple Valley, MN; James (Gloria) Braem of Central Valley, UT; John Braem of Appleton; Lori Montoya of Marshfield; and Susan (Chuck) Dueber of Elko New Market, MN; grandchildren: Jeremy Braem, Kristie (Ray) Howe, Laura (Calvin) Kurten, Rebecca (Seamus) Kelly, Jared Braem, Brittney (Rachel) Purucker, Joey Dueber, and Riley Dueber; and great-grandchildren: Gage, Aubrey, Noah, Jameson, Thomas, and Gavin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Grace Braem; parents-in-law, Floyd and Arvilla DeJarlais; sister Violet Hansen; brothers-in-law Jim Hansen, Barney Eckes, and Richard DeJarlais; sons-in-law Jack Zahr and Gilbert Montoya; and nephew Dick Hansen.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Catholic Church or Columbus High School.

The family wishes to thank Compassus Hospice and Dick’s son, Michael, for their exceptional care and for honoring Dick’s wish to remain at home.