Mark A. Braun 1925-2018
Mark A. Braun, 93, died Nov. 3 surrounded by his family. He was born in Athens, Wisconsin on May 18, 1925, the second son of the late Albert and Florence (Brady) Braun.
He graduated from Athens High School in 1943. After three years in the U.S. Navy flight program and undergraduate studies at Marquette University, he graduated from the Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 1949. He began his career with Klohr & Merrick, whose practice concentrated in workers compensation law. Braun focused on that field, a distinct departure from common law. His practice included issues of interpretation in the evolution of the workers compensation statute and cases leading to the codification of the principles of indemnity and contribution.
Braun briefed and argued more than 45 cases in the Illinois Supreme Court and Illinois Appellate Court, the federal court, and one before the United States Supreme Court. The issues were as diverse as the extent and effect of radiation from an underwater nuclear test, the jurisdiction of the claims of the Speck victims, and the Illinois governor's rejection of the OSHA jurisdiction.
He served as chair of the workers compensation committee for the Illinois State Bar Association, the Defense Research Institute, and the Federation of Insurance and Corporate Counsel. He also served as regional vice president and lecturer at the Kent School of Law. He remained involved with Loyola for over 60 years, receiving their highest honor, the medal of excellence, in 2014.
He retired from practice in 2016 at the age of 91 after 68 years of dedication to his profession.
He is survived by his three children, Beth of Chicago, Illinois, Jane and son-in-law Robert Ralston of Andover, Massachusetts, and Eric and wife Angela Lyos Braun of Sydney, Australia. He is also survived by his brother Robert of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and sister Jeanne Marie of Merrill, Wisconsin, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother James of Wausau, Wisconsin, his brother Hugh of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and mother of his children, Julia, of Lake Forest, Illinois.