Virginia L. Braun

Virginia L. Braun, age 95, of Belvidere, IL, completed her earthly journey on May 31, 2025, at home while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Virginia’s life, a private family graveside service is being held.  Burial will be in the Belvidere Cemetery.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Virginia’s family.

Virginia was born on August 4, 1929, in Belvidere, IL, a daughter to Frank and Lucy (Poole) Chaplin.  She was truly blessed to spend almost her entire 95 years among us surrounded by family and friends in the same community she was born in.  Virginia viewed each day as an opportunity to be the best wife, mother, grandmother and friend she could possibly be and in turn, her legacy of love and devotion shined brightly through each decade and generation she was grateful to be a part of.  She met and married the love of her life, Alden Wayne Braun, in 1948, and the two were blessed with 54 wonderful years and two adored sons to raise and care for along the way.  Virginia did find time to work outside of the home and invested 48 years in the maintenance department at International Paper.  Her work ethic was continually on display and she finally made her way into retirement in 1996 at the age of 67.  We are going to miss our dear sweet Virginia moving forward, but are forever grateful for the 95 years the Lord was gracious enough to share her with us.  May the love and lessons she leaves behind help to comfort our broken hearts until we see her beautiful smile once again.  Thank you, Virginia, for living your best example for us to follow and may peace be yours today as you are reunited with all of your loved ones who’ve been called home ahead of you. 

Those left to cherish the memory of Virginia include,

her two sons,

Steven (Carrie) Braun, Dubuque, IA,

and Mark Braun, Rockford, IL;

her grandchildren,

Christopher (Rachel) Braun, Ankeny, IA,

Jason (Brianne) Braun, Polk City, IA,

Tommy Langas, S.D.,

Jennifer Langas, Dubuque, IA,

and Julie (Chris) Roling, Dubuque, IA;

her great-grandchildren,

N’Kaylis, Ally, Naomi, Gianna, Arianna, Brooklyn, and Bodhi;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Alden W. Braun; and her siblings, Arthur Chaplin, Robert Chaplin, Gerald Chaplin, Frederick (Betty) Chaplin, Clifford Chaplin, and Mildred Chaplin.

Virginia’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.  We would also like to extend a personal and heartfelt thank you to her niece, Anna Robertson, for all of her generous love and support.  And finally, in appreciation a sincere thank you to Cindy Roman for all of her attention and help during this most difficult time.  We have truly been blessed to have such wonderful and gracious support around us and we are forever grateful for each and every one of you who played your roles perfectly.

Online condolences may be shared with Virginia’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com