Anthony Braunger

Anthony (Tony) J. Braunger age 73 passed away on Nov. 25, 2013 at home after a lengthy illness with his family by his side. Services will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, with Rev. Merlin Schrad officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, with a rosary being said by Catholic Daughters of America at 4 p.m at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Tony was born in Sioux City, Iowa on August 21, 1940 to Paul and Marie (Molly O'Dea) Braunger, Sr. He was a life-long member of Blessed Sacrament Church. He attended Blessed Sacrament Grade School, Heelan High School, Briar Cliff College and Rock Hurst College. Tony worked for 45 years at P.A. Braunger Foods where he retired as Vice President. He was married on August 5, 1961 to the former Jean Marie Wille the love of his life. He was a dedicated husband and devoted father. He will forever be remembered for his amazing love of family, his wit and sense of humor. Tony was a car enthusiast all his life. He served as president and vice president of the Antique Car Club and was also a member of Viper Club of America and Strollers. Tony was involved in many professional organizations: Sioux City Business Leaders where he also served as president and vice president; Mens Club of Blessed Sacrament where he served as president; and the Heelan Parent Board where he served as vice president and president. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Jean of Sioux City; seven children, David Braunger and wife Christy, Greg Braunger and Marcie VanWaart, Beth and husband Grant Whalen, Becky and husband David Wetzbarger, Jennifer and husband Troy Lanagan, Tony Braunger and wife Carla all of Sioux City, daughter Cathy Braunger and Jason Hughes of Tulsa, Oklahoma; 19 grandchildren, Dr. Joshua Widhalm, Brenton Widhalm, Brandon Braunger, Nicholas Widhalm, Hailey Heeney, Dani Braunger, Dominic Wetzbarger, Kayla Heeney, A.J. Braunger, Brody Whalen, Kaitlin Braunger, Becca Whalen, Chloe Wetzbarger, Bailey McBride, Bailey Hughes, Jaiden Hughes, Caleb Braunger, Jett Lanagan and Ireland Lanagan; 3 brothers Paul, Bart, and Bill Braunger; and 2 sisters Jane Pollard and Joan Hughes; a great aunt Margaret Neenan; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; Paul and Molly Braunger and 2 sisters; Barbara Handley and Sister Mary de Paula (Dominican Sister). The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Father Schrad and to the members of the Hospice of Siouxland and Palliative Care Association. Father Schrad instilled comfort and inspiration over the years and up until his final breath. The dedication and effort to provide quality care by Hospice over the last few weeks was a heartwarming blessing to the entire family. We thank God for the gift of his life and the blessing of the time we spent with him. Donations will be given to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, the Carmelite Monastery and Hospice of Siouxland. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren.