Maridel Lee Braman

Maridel Lee Braman, beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026, at the age of 82 at Kennybrook Village in Grimes, Iowa, surrounded by family. Her life was marked by kindness, quiet strength, a deep devotion to God, and an unwavering love for the people she held dear.

Born on March 29, 1944, in What Cheer, Iowa, Maridel brought warmth, grace, and generosity into every season of her life. On December 7, 1964, she married the love of her life, Eric Braman, in Frytown, Iowa, beginning a 62-year partnership rooted in faith and family. She pursued her education at Midwestern School of Evangelism, Dodge City Community College, University of Missouri, and St. Mary’s of the Plains College, shaping a lifelong passion for teaching and nurturing young minds. Creative and meticulous, Maridel ran a small business crafting extraordinary birthday and wedding cakes that became treasured centerpieces of countless celebrations. She delighted in collecting snowmen and strawberries, each piece reflecting her cheerful spirit, and she spent many joyful hours exploring genealogy and creating colorful, detailed artwork.

Above all, Maridel’s legacy shines brightest in her years as a loving mother and kindergarten teacher in Linn, Missouri, where her gentle guidance, patience, and encouragement left an enduring imprint on generations of children and families.

Maridel is survived by her husband of 62 years, Eric Braman; her children, Erika (Charles) Sellers of Grimes, Iowa, Gary (Karen) Braman of Jefferson City, Missouri, Loretta(David) Belville of Linn, Missouri, and Rodney (Amanda) Braman of Jefferson City, Missouri; her siblings, Shirley (Rod) Larsen, Edie McCurdy, Becki (Don) Hamilton, and Rick (Cathy) Yoder; her grandchildren, Chelse (Bryce) Hartley, Conner Graves, Kelli Howell, Kaylyn Howell, Cammie Graves, Justin Braman, Sarah (Griffin) Anderson, Shyann Braman, and Will Belville; and her great-grandchildren, Brylee Hartley and Charlee Hartley. She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members whose lives she brightened.

She was preceded in death by her son, Steven Braman; her parents, Richard and Mary Yoder; her parents-in-law, Harry and Agnes Braman; as well as several in-laws, and extended family members. Her family takes comfort in the memories they shared with her and in the lasting example of love, compassion, and resilience she leaves behind.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Highway 54 Church of Christ, 4217 Greenbrier Dr, Jefferson City, Missouri. Family and friends are invited to gather for lunch after the service in remembrance of Maridel’s life, to share stories, and to celebrate the blessing of having known her. 

Graveside service and interment will be at 2 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery, Linn, Mo.

In Lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Fairview Cemetery or Highway 54 Church of Christ.

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Missouri www.mortonchapel.com