Donald "Don" Joseph Braat

Donald “Don” Joseph Braat, age 68, of Mentor, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, at Reserve Care Hospice in Cleveland, Ohio, surrounded by his loving family and close friends. Don was born on July 1, 1957, in Geneva, Ohio, to Gustav Joseph Braat and Nancy Lee (Muddiman) Braat. He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan (Rodgers) Braat; daughter, Kade (Randall) Kirian; and son, Jake (Ning) Braat. Don was a proud “Papa” to his grandchildren, Elle (7) and Jack (5) Kirian, and he adored his grandpup, Myles. He is also survived by his sister, Redina Montgomery; brothers, Gustav “Joe” Braat and Chris Braat; as well as many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly: Heidi (Jason) Vandevender (Wyatt and Libby), Jeremy (Jenny) Braat, Stephanie (Nick) Reinemeyer (Reese, Nixon, and Maddox), Eric (Allyson) Montgomery (Alex and Ashton), Lynda Westgate, Lindsey Jo (Ryan) Rowland (Hudson), Joey (Savvanah) Braat (Mila, Motley, and Mayvis), and Christen (Jess) Ighnat. His aunt, Linda (Muddiman) Smith, along with numerous cousins and extended family members, also survive him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gustav Joseph and Nancy Lee Braat; his brother Edward Braat; and several extended family members and friends he considered family. Don spent most of his life working as a butcher and meat manager, with his final ten years at Heinen’s. Outside of work, he loved the outdoors and could often be found camping, fishing, hunting, or simply sitting quietly in the woods. He was active in 4-H and proudly served on the Market Livestock Committee. Don was well known for his love of grilling and cooking for family and friends, often preparing meals for graduations and special gatherings. He was also an avid gardener who filled his yard with sunflowers—his favorite—along with many other plants. When the weather allowed, Don enjoyed riding his Harley and spending time on the open road. Above all, Don’s greatest passion was his family and friends. He treasured his lifelong friendships and treated his neighbors like family, always happy to stop and chat. Don was an incredible husband, father, and papa, and a loyal and devoted friend. He will be remembered as hardworking, loyal, fun-loving, a little corny, and always ready with a good laugh. Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating Don’s life at Grand River Manor, 1153 Mechanicsville Rd, Geneva, OH 44041, on Sunday, June 28, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Mentor, Ohio. Online condolences may be offered at www.brunners.com.

Donald "Don" Joseph Braat

July 1, 1957 - March 7, 2026