Ellen loved wildflowers. Maybe it was because they never asked to be noticed. They simply bloomed where they were planted, making the world brighter for everyone who passed by. In many ways, Ellen lived the same way. She had a gift for making people feel important. Whether you had known her for years or had just met her, she welcomed you with a smile that put you at ease, listened with genuine interest, laughed easily, and left you feeling better than when you arrived. Like the wildflowers she loved, she brought beauty and quiet strength wherever life planted her.
Ellen Barbara Braun, 41, of Hampton, Minnesota, was called home to the Lord on Thursday, July 2, 2026, 12 days after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by the everlasting love of her family.
Born and raised on a farm in the south Hamptons, Ellen carried that hardworking spirit throughout her life. She graduated from Randolph High School in 2003 before earning her bachelor’s degree from Augsburg College. She was smart and incredibly organized, which helped her build a career in accounting with Lockheed Martin, Mosaic Apartments, Early Bird Electric, and Supporting Strategies. Perhaps her most pivotal work was her time as a bartender at the Black Stallion where she met Timmy Braun. After more than a few requests, her phone number was finally shared, and the rest became a beautiful love story. They were married on April 5, 2008, celebrating their wedding where it all began.
Anyone who knew Ellen, knew her smile. Bright and contagious, it was often the first thing people noticed and the last thing they forgot. She loved to laugh, dance, and never missed an opportunity to have a good time with the people she loved.
She always poured herself into everything she did and was the person everyone could count on. Through every hardship and challenge, she leaned on her quiet faith and led with courage and unwavering strength. The steady, resilient way she lived, taught everyone who loved her how to do the same.
Above all else, Ellen was devoted to her family. Nothing brought her greater joy than being with Tim, Kyle, and Owen; her love for them shaped every decision and was the foundation of the farm she and Tim built together. She loved watching her boys operate equipment and learn the ropes of farm life - pitching in and taking pride in their collective work.
Ellen was preceded in death by her son, Junior (Timothy Braun II); her grandparents, Harry and Bernice Schaffer; and Glenn and Jean Mulvihill. She leaves behind her loving husband of 18 years, Timothy Braun; her sons, Kyle and Owen Braun; her parents, Tim and Susan Mulvihill; her favorite sister, Erin (Kent) Erdahl; her brothers, Andy (Angie) Mulvihill and Tony (Sam) Mulvihill; In-laws, Teddy and Craig Braun; Jenny Braun (Alvin Armstrong), Matt Braun and Amanda (Aaron) Armstrong; countless aunts, uncles, cousin comrades; and her beloved nieces and nephews - Charlie, Joe, Louie, Adeline, Ella, Drew, Arlo, and Elias.
May Ellen now travel gentler roads surrounded by perfect peace. Like the wildflowers she loved, may the kindness she shared so freely continue to grow in the lives of everyone she touched. Until we meet again, thank you, Ellen, for making each of us feel seen, loved, and at home.
Ellen’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 25th from 4:30-9:00 pm. All are welcome to join us at Glenhaven Events - 1595 220th St E, Farmington, MN 55024. All gifts will go toward creating a memorial in Ellen's name at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. A private interment will be held at St. Mathias Catholic Cemetery in Hampton, MN.
