Myron Lee "Mike" Braum

Myron L. “Mike” Braum passed away at the age of 92 on August 2, 2026 at Brewster Place in Topeka, KS.

He was born in Topeka, Kansas on January 23rd, 1934, the son of Hugh Warren and Vivian Ethel Braum (Cadwell) and grew up on a farm in Southeast Shawnee County, Richland, KS.

During his teenage years, Mike worked at Livestock Sale Barns, with his father as the Clerk, in Overbrook, Lawrence, and North Topeka. He loaded and unloaded cattle and sometimes set the starting price. During one simmer, he helped his high school teacher build a house, and another summer he helped his neighbors bale hay.

Mike graduated from Berryton Rural High School in 1951 and went on to attend Washburn University and Kaw alley Tech School. On November 25, 1953, he married his high school sweetheart, Donna Jean Braum, and together they had two daughters, Kathy and Cindy.

For 10 years, Mike ran the Printing Presses at two different Topeka printing companies. He also worked for 35 years as the Midwest Region Manager for Midwestern Paper Company where he sold printing paper, equipment, and printing supplies. In 1987 and 1989 he became a member of the President’s Club for his top sales performances. As the Topeka Branch Manager, he retired from International Paper company in 1996.

Mike was a member of many different organizations, including being a Lifetime member of both the Topeka Sales and Marketing Executives and the Topeka Printing House Craftsman where he served as president in 1966. He was also a member of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce for over 50 years serving as Chamber Ambassador, and was Chamber Diplomat of the Year four times.

Since 1961 Mike was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Topeka, KS and member of the Topeka Fellowship Bible Study (KS Prayer Breakfast) for over 40 years, serving as president in 1988.

Other memberships he was active in include Albert Neese Lodge No. 248 for 70 years, the Arab Shriner for 25 years (where he was Shriner of The Year in 2014), the Shrine greeters Unit, Antique Classic Cars Unit, Topless Unit, the Royal Order of the Jesters, Topeka Court No. 125, and both the Scottish and York Rite.

Mike had quite the music career including being on live radio in 1952 and 1953 in Topeka, KS, a weekly TV show at KOAM TV in Pittsburg, KS, played in Country Western Bands for many years, and performed Bluegrass music in eight different states across the country. He also performed twice in Silver Dollar City, was a member of Kansas City Area Bluegrass Music Club, and a member of the Heart of America Bluegrass & Old Time Music Club.

In addition to playing music, Mike’s hobbies included fishing, hunting, and he enjoyed traveling while taking vacations in Estes Park, Colorado.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Donna Jean Braum, two daughters, Kathy Lohse (Dr. Robert R. Lohse, DDS) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Cindy Braum (Ken Rater) of Lenexa, KS; two granddaughters, Lauren Shroff (Neil) of Watchung, NJ, and Paige Lohse (Umut Soysal) of Chicago, IL; one bonus granddaughter, Erika Rater of Lenexa, KS, one grandson, Rob Lohse (Kate) of Brooklyn, NY, one bonus grandson, Kennedy Rater of Overland Park, KS; two great-granddaughters, Nina and Naia Shroff; one niece, Deborah Nichols of Laurence, Kansas; and one great niece, Jessica Shult (Eric) of Lenexa, KS; and two great-great nieces, Ava and Emery Shult.

He is proceeded in death by his sister, Marilyn Sue Malson who passed away on July 3, 2025.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 1:30PM at Topeka First United Methodist Church, 600 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66603.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to either Topeka First United Methodist Church or the Arab Shriner’s of Topeka, Kansas.

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