Representative Barry D. Brauns View All Years

BARRY BRAUNS

Barry Brauns was born on July 11, 1932 in Toolsboro, Iowa. His family moved to Muscatine County when he was a little boy, and he spent most of his life there. He graduated from Muscatine High School in 1950; and the Crosby Quality Management College. He served his country in 1953 to 1954 in the U.S. Army in Korea, and then in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1955 to 1985 where he retired as a First Sergeant after serving 32 years. He married JoAnn Hagens on October 14, 1956 at the High Prairie Church, and they had two children together.

He was manager of the Muscatine County Fair, a member of the Fair Board for 20 years and was chosen as an Honorary Fair Board Member; he served as Legislative Advisor to the Board of Directors of the Association of Iowa Fairs and was District Director of the Association of Iowa Fairs. He was very proud of having the opportunity of being raised on a farm and being a member of FFA, 4-H and being a part of the 4-H State Championship Judging Team.

When he wasn’t busy with his selfless dedication and hard work for the people of Iowa, he was the owner and operator of Brauns Building Company and was also a plant manager for KA Steel Chemical Company of Chicago for many years.

With all of his years of service he received many awards; named Fair Person of the Year in 1995 and 1996, was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Association of Iowa Fairs. He received the Leadership Award from the Teachers Association in 1998-1999, named Representative of the Year from the Associated General Contractors of Iowa, honorary member of the Muscatine county Cattleman’s Association and 2000 4-H Alumnus of the year.

Barry was a Republican from Muscatine County. He was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in the fall of 1992, serving for five terms. During his time he served as Chair or Vice-Chair on many committees; Transportation, Transportation Safety Appropriation, and Infrastructure Appropriations. He served as an Assistant Majority Leader for several years during his time. With his service he encouraged several current Representatives to start their adventure in public service.

Representative Brauns passed away on October 10, 2011 at the age of 79.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EIGHTY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF IOWA, That in the passing of the Honorable Barry Brauns, the State has lost an honored citizen and a faithful and useful public servant, and the House by this Resolution would express its appreciation of his service.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the Journal of the House, and that the Chief Clerk be directed to forward an enrolled copy to the family of the deceased.

MARK LOFGREN

THOMAS SANDS

DENNIS COHOON

Committee