Michael W. "Mike" Braun

Michael Wayne Braun, “Mike”, was unexpectedly reunited with his family of angels on November 26th, 2024. Son of Josephine (Nee: Malanche) Mulder and Donald Braun, he was born on April 26th, 1958, in Racine, WI.

At the age of 14, Mike began his career at the Colony Inn in West Racine, starting as a dishwasher and quickly earning a promotion to “opening cook” through his hard work and dedication. This early experience sparked his passion and unlocked his potential for entrepreneurship, and by the young age of 26, he opened his own business. Mike enjoyed 18 successful years as a chef and business owner, first with Bailey’s Restaurant and Lounge, then transitioning to Bailey’s Pub and Steakhouse, and ultimately Bailey’s Pub North. He was best known for his Friday night fish frys, Sunday breakfast buffets, and root beer barrel shots. Above all, Mike is remembered for the close-knit community he built at Bailey’s—a true Racine legend who turned his establishment into a family affair, fostering lifelong friendships and creating countless joyful memories. For the last several years, Mike worked as the convenience store manager at the Amoco Gas Station on Douglas Avenue. His coworkers and customers will deeply miss his positive and cheerful attitude, unwavering dependability, and strong work ethic during his early morning shifts.

Throughout his life, Mike was a sports enthusiast. He played basketball at Park High School and for the YMCA, where his involvement eventually led him to coach younger teams. Mike also fondly remembered playing city league softball and pool, especially on the teams that his business sponsored. Beyond his experience as an athlete, Mike was an avid sports fanatic and showed unquestionable loyalty to his beloved Chicago Cubs.

Family was the most important thing to Mike. First and foremost, he was a devoted brother and uncle. He eagerly looked forward to holidays and family gatherings, particularly those at his sister Billie Jo’s house, where he captured endless memories in photos. Mike cherished regularly meeting his siblings, nephews, and nieces for lunch, often at local Mexican restaurants. He was known as a taco connoisseur and combo plate attacker, always ordering a Mexican Coke and extra tortillas. He also enjoyed making memories driving around Lake Michigan and the lighthouse, while blasting his favorite tunes of all genres on his fancy car sound system.

A treasured son, brother, uncle, and friend, Mike will be remembered for his boisterous personality, zest for life, unrestrained laughter, questionable jokes, and his unapologetic honesty - always ready to “tell it like it is”.

Mike leaves behind his baby sister and best friend Billie Jo Dahse. His sister-in-law Renee Braun. Many nephews and nieces: Jason (Clarissa) Braun and their children Savannah and Liliana; Kyle (Becca) Thellefsen and their children Olivia and Lola; Robert (Nicole) Lizotte and their children Ava and Owen; Michelle (Alejandro) Trevino and their children Logan and Isaac; Alexandria Moran and her children Holden and Oakley; and Zoe (Coleman Korb) Dahse. Mike is preceded in death by both his parents; siblings: Linda, Mark, and David "Hubie" Braun; and nieces Tonya Marie Guerra and Peyton Dahse.

A memorial service will be held at the funeral home, Saturday, December 21, 2024, 10:30 am. Relatives and friends may meet prior to the service 9 – 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32.