Dietmar Braune and Rita Schrantz Endowment Fund

The Dietmar R. Braune Seedling Fund was established in memory of the kind, thoughtful and fun-loving man Rita Schrantz knew and loved for more than two decades. Braune, 64, died suddenly in January of a suspected heart attack.

Schrantz, of Altoona, describes her German-born fiance as a fun, colorful person and a good, kind man who would drop anything to help a friend. She set up the fund as a tribute to him. "Deet", as he was know to family and friends, was highly respected in his field and actively involved in his community. 

Before joining CESA 10 as an energy consultant, Braune worked at Xcel Energy and Ayres Associates. He was also involved in civic organizations, including the Sunrise Exchange Club where he and Schrantz met, United Way and the Industrial Development Corporation in Chippewa Falls. Braune and Schrantz own The Silver Bear, a home decor shop in Holcombe, and he was also active in the Lake Holcombe Resort & Business Association. In addition, he was instrumental in establishing up the Youth of Lake Holcombe Endowment Fund- also through the Community Foundation.