Donald George Braymer

BRAYMER, DONALD GEORGE
of Vicksburg, MI

Donald George Braymer passed away Thursday afternoon Oct 31st at the age of 98. He passed quietly of cumulative heart congestion with little pain and loving family members at his side.

Don was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on May 5th, 1921 to George and Nelli Braymer. Don was the first born son, but he eventually was joined by 4 siblings. Younger brothers George Jr. (Bud) and Merrill as well as sisters Maxine Braymer Corbus and Donna Braymer Dusseljee. Bud Braymer preceded Don in his death.

Don was the husband of Betty Jane (Zausch) Braymer. Don and Betty lived the past 32 years on Sunset Lake in Vicksburg MI, and resided the previous 28 years on Gourdneck Lake in Portage MI. They were married on August 8th, 1945 and were inseparable for nearly 74 years. Don was a loving husband and father, a friendly neighbor and was always willing to lend his considerable expertise to friends and strangers in need.

Don grew up in the Kalamazoo area and joined the US Navy shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor that brought the US into World War II. Don spent time training at the Great Lakes Naval Station in IL and in St. Louis, MO where he met the love of his life Betty Jane Zausch. During World War II Don served his country in the Pacific Theater as a naval airplane mechanic and saw action on several pivotal islands including Guadalcanal.

After the war Don returned to the States, married Betty, moved back to Kalamazoo and began a long career at the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company from which retired in 1976. Don started in the mail room and worked his way up to become the head of the photography department. During his stay in the photography department Don produced motion pictures for Upjohn and his team won recognition for several medical documentaries.

Don and Betty belonged to a singing and performance group that visited the elderly for years until health issues prevented their participation. Don and his wife Betty were long standing members of the First Congregational Church of Kalamazoo and regularly attended services there over the years.

Don was preceded in death by his spouse Betty who passed away this spring. They had 4 children: Don Jr. (Carol) Braymer, David (Kate) Braymer, Kathy (Charlie) MacDonald and Bill (Susan) Braymer. David Braymer preceded Don in death as he passed away 13 years ago. Don is survived by 13 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

Don's life will be celebrated in the parlor at the First Congregational Church of Kalamazoo at 2 PM on Tuesday November 12th. Please see the tribute wall on the website identified below for the words of remembrances that are shared.

Further information may be obtained at: https://www.langelands.com/notices/Donald-Braymer