Obituaries

Madison, WI – Eleanor “Ella” Marie (Leonards) Braun, age 94, passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at St. Mary’s Care Center in Madison, following a long, courageous journey. Eleanor was born on July 15, 1930, in Rayne, Louisiana, the daughter of Louis and Gertrude (Dischler) Leonards.

Ella was raised in Roberts Cove, LA, a rural German community. She was a member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church there and later became a lifetime member of the St. Leo’s Altar Society. She was very proud of her birthplace, her family, and her German heritage. Ella graduated from St. Michael’s High School in Crowley in 1947.

Ella married William (Bill) Braun of Madison on October 26, 1950, and they shared 65 years of marriage before his passing in 2016. Ella was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Madison for over 50 years. Her faith served as a source of strength and was important to her throughout her life, particularly in her later years.

Ella worked for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue during tax season from 1968-1992. She developed many lifelong friendships through her employment there, but her greatest achievement and source of pride was that of homemaker, mother and grandmother. Ella was the quintessential homemaker, always keeping a meticulous home. Her deep love for her family meant that family always came first. Ella adored her children, grandchildren and great-granddaughters and she was always available to help them in any way. She often said they were her “pride and joy.”

Survivors include her children, Constance Wheeler (Jean Lantz) of Kenosha, Bob Braun (Janine) of The Woodlands, Texas, and Cynthia Hasz (James) of Fitchburg; grandchildren, Adam Hasz (Torrie) of Madison, Brandon Hasz of Fitchburg, AnnaClaire Braun Olson (Josh) of Houston, Texas and William Braun of Houston, Texas; great-granddaughters, Eleanor Hasz and newborn, Tatum Hasz of Madison. She is also survived by her sisters, Marcella Ohlenforst of Rayne, Louisiana and Sylvia Jean Frugé of Crowley, Louisiana; brothers, Louis (Patty) Leonards of Keithsville, Louisiana, Buck Leonards of Rayne, Louisiana and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William; two sisters, Philomena Ohlenforst, Dorothy Leonards; two brothers, Blaise Leonards, Edwin Leonards; nine sisters-in-laws; and eight brothers-in-laws.

Ella will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She will always be remembered and cherished as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

A special thanks to the many caring and compassionate staff at St. Mary’s Care Center, SSM Health Hospice, and Agrace Hospice. A full obituary may be viewed, and online condolences made at www.ryanfuneralservice.com

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 5001 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison. The visitation will be on Tuesday at the church from 9:30 am until the time of the Mass. Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park.

The mass will be live streamed through a link on St. Peter’s website https://stpetermadison.org/ or on their Facebook page St Peter Catholic Church | Madison WI | Facebook

Memorial donations may be made to St. Leo IV Catholic Church in Roberts Cove, 7166 Roberts Cove Rd, Rayne, LA 70578, or the charity of the donor’s choice.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257