Obituary of Robert Frederick Braun, Jr.
Robert Frederick “Bob” Braun, Jr.
“Bobcat”
Robert Frederick Braun, Jr., passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 4, 2025, in Windsor, IL. Born on December 11, 1977, in Chicago, Illinois, Robert was the cherished son of Robert Sr. and Judith Braun. His family and countless friends will remember him as someone with a kind heart, a keen sense of humor, and an unwavering ability to bring smiles wherever he went.
A proud graduate of Reavis High School, Bob went on to attend the Universal Technical Institute in Lisle, IL, paving the way for a career that spanned over two decades. For 24 years, he devoted his skills and work ethic as a Mechanical Technician at Crown Lift Trucks. Always sincere and outgoing, Bob’s warm nature made a lasting impression on everyone he worked with and knew.
Bob’s passions were as vibrant as his spirit. He found joy outdoors—whether boating, camping, or simply soaking in the tranquility of nature. An avid music lover, he played in several bands during his younger years, and his zest for life was perfectly embodied in his hobbies. Whether riding his Harley Davidson, navigating open waters on his boat, playing darts with friends, or indulging his fascination with trains, Robert treasured the "toys" that brought him joy. When he wasn’t enjoying nature, he loved being at home with his close loved ones, watching the Chicago Bears on a Sunday afternoon, with his “Moe Moe” making a roast and mashed potatoes!
Bob is survived by his loving partner of the last eight years, Maureen “Moe Moe” Rich, who was the light of his life; his siblings, Dave (Bridget Szkolny) and Dana (Brad) Pich; his nieces and nephews, Bradley Jr., Abby, George, and Conner Egan; and his brother-in-law, Jeffrey Lyle. Bob’s heart extended beyond traditional family ties—he was a guiding presence to his "bonus" children, Jimmy, Jessica, and Jennifer Rich, and a devoted grandfather to Aiden, Adaline, and Lucas Rich, with another grandchild on the way from “Jenno”. His large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends completed the beautiful tapestry of his life.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Henry and Sylvia Braun, and William and Lucille Bergthold; cousins, Christopher Mazurek and Christian Blameuser; and in-laws Dennis and Eileen Lyle, along with Maureen’s sister and brothers, Donna Vojensky, Dennis, and Mike Lyle.
To those who knew him, Bob will be remembered as loving, kind, and unfailingly funny. His laughter, warmth, and magnetic personality turned friends into family and made every gathering richer. He will be dearly missed, but his spirit will continue to live on in the lives he touched so deeply.
Visitation for Robert Frederick Braun, Jr. will be held from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL. Funeral Services will be held on Monday at the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
