Carolyn R. (Reffke) Braun, age 91, of Appleton, was born to eternal life on January 26, 2025, at St. Paul Manor in Kaukauna following a lengthy battle with Parkinsons.  Carolyn was born in Appleton on October 22, 1933, to the late William and Winifred (Peeples) Reffke.  She graduated at Appleton High School with the class of 1952.  Carolyn was united in marriage to Walter C. Braun on May 26, 1951, and the couple enjoyed 69 years together.

She worked as a switchboard operator at various places for many years followed by working at Miller Electric Mfg, retiring in 1989 to spend time with her new grandchildren.  She was longtime member at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Appleton where she was active in a variety of volunteer roles.   She enjoyed crocheting, crafts, watching TV, doing puzzles, and spending time at the family cottage on Lake Metonga in Crandon – but most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She will be missed by her four children:  Cheryl (Tom) Leonard, Scott (Merle) Braun, Willa (fiancé Mike Cravillion) Mueller, and John (Amy) Braun; 8 grandchildren:  Derek (Marisol) Strelow, Sarah (Mark) Mercier, Andrew (Kelly) Braun, Lacey (Tim) Derouin, Jeremy (Taylor) Braun, Chelsie (Garrett) Sherwinski, Kayla (Ian) Mueller, and Zachary (Erin) Mueller; 10 great grandchildren; and 3 brothers:  William Reffke, Appleton, Bob Reffke, Kimberly, and Keith (Jan) Reffke, Appleton.  She is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents William and Winifred Reffke, husband Walter, sister Ruth Ann (Rollie) Mosher, and 2 sisters-in-law Jane Reffke and Judy Reffke.

The Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11 am on Friday, January 31, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 222 E. Fremont St, Appleton.  Friends may visit in the Sacred Heart Room at church on Friday from 9 am until 10:45 am.  Interment will take place at Highland Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staffs at ThedaCare at Home Hospice and St. Paul Manor for the compassionate care given to Carolyn.