Bruce Bidwell Braun

Bruce Bidwell Braun

December 15, 1942 - December 08, 2025

Send Flowers

Obituary

FITCHBURG - Bruce Bidwell Braun, age 82, of Fitchburg, Wis., passed away on December 8, 2025. He was born to Carl and Ruth (Cooley) Braun on December 15, 1942, in Albany, N.Y.


After graduating from Voorheesville High School (1960), he went on to earn a B.S. in forestry from the SUNY College of Foresty (1964) and a M.A. in public administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse (1965).


Bruce met his wife Nancy at SU, and they were married shortly after graduation before heading to Madison, Wis. They shared 60 years of partnership together raising their two daughters. Travel and camping with friends were two of the families' joys. Bruce has been a lifelong photographer, tennis player, casual guitar player, and took up painting after retiring.


Bruce started his 37 years of state service working for the Wisconsin Department of Administration. He worked for seven years in the State Budget Office supervising budget operations and working with the Governor and Legislature to develop early water, air, and solid waste programs. His work with the legislature helped to secure the creation of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway. Six years were served in the Division of Facilities Management supervising the state capital budget, property acquisition and staff services to the State Building Commission.


He was part of the creation of the Department of Natural Resources where he spent five years as the Division Administrator and 11 years as the DNR Deputy Secretary. During this time Bruce was instrumental in creating the Natural Resources Foundation (NRF) of Wisconsin. This was followed by serving as the UW-System Associate Vice President for Physical Planning and Development. Bruce was the retired Assistant Vice Chancellor of Facilities Planning and Management for the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.


Bruce is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters, Deborah (Hessam) Hozhabrian and Bonnie (Nicholas) Thompson; and grandson, Alex. He is also survived by his sister, Beverly Braun; and brother, Duane (Ruth) Braun.


A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St. Oregon, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026.


Donations may be made to the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin or Agrace HospiceCare.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515



Events

11
Celebration of Life
Sat Apr 11, 2026 @ 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care • 1150 Park St., Oregon, WI 53575
Get Directions
11
Memorial Service
Sat Apr 11, 2026 @ 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM CDT
Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care • 1150 Park St., Oregon, WI 53575
Get Directions

Photos

Add photos
of Bruce
No photos of Bruce have been shared yet.

Memories

Add a memory of
Bruce
AB
A Memorial Tree was planted for Bruce Bidwell Braun
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Oregon
SP
Sally Probasco
Other •
I knew Bruce during the time both of us were active in the Association of Wisconsin Artists. He was a leader in the organization serving as the Vice President focusing on fund raising. I also knew him to be a superb photographer who generously shared his work with other artists to use as reference material. He was just a nice person and a friend. Condolences to his family and all who treasured his friendship.
DS
Dick Steffes
Other •
When Bruce was Deputy Secretary at DNR, I worked fairly routinely with him on conservation land acquisitions. He had that rare combination of good, savvy judgment and a relaxed, friendly style. He clearly was very intelligent and fair minded. Earlier, he joined our agency from DOA. We felt that DOA was the evil empire and wondered how Bruce would be as a leader at DNR. I suggested he visit our annual real estate training meeting to get acquainted with staff from around the state. He drove in to our dinner- hospitality event at a Milwaukee tavern. We had just ran out of beer. Bruce sized up the situation and promptly bought our group a quarter barrel. Instantly he became our hero!
MI
Mary Ann Inman
Other •
So sorry to read this. Hugs to Nancy and daughters. Bruce was a painter as well as a photographer. He earned a reputation for supporting the Association of Wisconsin Artists by serving and giving back to Wisconsin through multiple charities and his work career. He was a stand up all Amecican guy!
CA
Cindy Ashley
Other •
I remember Bruce from my days working for Sentor Risser when Bruce worked for the Division of Facilities Management. Always a consumate professional, Bruce was helpful, knowlegable and always had a smile for everyone. Just a super guy. My condolences to his family. Cindy Ashley
M
Mona
Other •
Joined a great picnic party at Bruce’s house longtime ago when he served as a Vice President at UW System. Remember the wonderful things. My condolences to Nancy. Rest in peace and in paradise Bruce! Mona Hou

Memorial video

Share memorial