Maridel Lee Braman, 82, beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on Sept. 19, 2026, at Kennybrook Village in Grimes, Iowa, surrounded by family.
She was born on March 29, 1944, to the late Richard and Mary Yoder, in What Cheer, Iowa.
She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Eric Braman on Dec. 7, 1964, 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. Maridel spent many joyful hours exploring genealogy and creating colorful, detailed artwork.
She brought warmth, grace and generosity into every season of her life. Her life was marked by kindness, quiet strength, a deep devotion to God and an unwavering love for the people she held dear.
Above all, Maridel’s legacy shines brightest in her years as a loving mother and kindergarten teacher in Linn, where her gentle guidance, patience, and encouragement left an enduring imprint on generations of children and families.
She was preceded in death by parents, Richard and Mary; son, Steven Braman; parents-in-law, Harry and Agnes Braman; as well as several other 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.
Maridel is survived by husband of 62 years, Eric; children, Erika Sellers and husband Charles of Grimes, Iowa, Gary Braman and wife Karen of Jefferson City, Loretta Belville and husband David of Linn, and Rodney Braman and wife Amanda of Jefferson City; grandchildren, Chelse Hartley and husband Bryce, Conner and Cammie Graves, Kelli and Kaylyn Howell, Justin and Shyann Braman, Sarah Anderson and husband Griffin and Will Belville; great-grandchildren, Brylee and Charlee Hartley; siblings, Shirley Larsen and husband Rod, Edie McCurdy, Becki Hamilton and husband Don and Rick Yoder and wife Cathy; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members whose lives she brightened.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 26, at Highway 54 Church of Christ in Jefferson City. 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 follow at 2 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery in Linn.
Memorial contributions suggested to the Fairview Cemetery or Highway 54 Church of Christ.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
