Julia (Judy) Clara Braunberger passed away peacefully May 28, 2026, at Eventide in Jamestown, ND a few days after celebrating her 100th birthday with family and friends. Judy was born on May 25, 1926, on a farm near Sykeston, ND to Joseph Malinski and Victoria Frieze. She was a graduate of Jamestown High School.

After high school, Judy and her sisters went to Chicago and worked braiding wire harnesses for military aircraft to help with the war effort. She then came back to North Dakota and worked as a Deputy City Auditor for the City of Valley City.

On March 15, 1947, she married the love of her life, Jacob (Jake) Braunberger. They were married for 73 years and raised six wonderful children.

Judy’s children and grandchildren were athletes and involved in the arts. As a mother and grandmother, she showed up for everything: Every basketball, baseball, and softball game, every track and cross-country meet, and every concert or recital. She was in the audience – cheering, supporting, and celebrating. She was so proud of them and truly never missed a thing and enjoyed it immensely.

She also enjoyed going to auction sales, refinishing antiques, woodworking, gardening: both flowers and vegetables, and then preserving the vegetables for the winter season. She also raised canaries for many years, and she was an excellent artist and loved to paint.

As a long-time active member of the First United Methodist Church, Judy taught Sunday School, tended to the nursery, and was a member of the Rebecca Circle. Her faith was very important and a constant compass in her life.

Judy and her sisters were avid bowlers and had a wonderful time traveling around the US participating in tournaments together.

For many years, she also worked the local elections, was involved with the ArcAid Thrift Store in Jamestown, and helped at the Frontier Village and Buffalo Museum.

Judy is survived by her six children: Sandra (Sandy) Collins, Menomonee Falls, WI; Gary (Jody) Braunberger, Bismarck, ND; Rae Ann Palmer, Sioux City, IA; Steve Braunberger, Jamestown, ND; Brad (Kody) Braunberger, Dickinson, ND; Allyson (Brad) Cunningham, Coralville, IA. Seven grandchildren: John Collins, WI; Jessica (Chris) Meier, TX; Meagan Gomez, IA; Katlin (Justin) Vetsch, GA; Hunter Braunberger, ND; Jacob Braunberger, Jr., MT; Taylor Braunberger, CO. Four great-grandchildren: Johnathan and Adelyn Meier; Landry and Austyn Vetsch, and one brother Raymond Malinski, UT.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Jake; infant daughter, Paula; daughter-in-law, Tammara; parents, Joseph and Victoria; brothers, Chet, Ed, Adam; and sisters, Mae, Esther, Helen, and Delores.

Judy had a wonderful wit, sense of humor, and a big heart. She will be missed by so many.

Memorial Service: 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 115 3rd St SE, Jamestown, ND 58401

Interment: 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, 4606 Highway 1806, Mandan, ND 58554

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to First United Methodist Church, 115 3rd St SE, Jamestown, ND 58401

Arrangements- Haut Funeral Home, Jamestown.

Julia Braunberger

May 25, 1926 - May 28, 2026

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