Obituary of Melvin John Braunagel

Melvin John Braunagel, Sr. passed away on May 19, 2019 after a short illness. He was born in Wilke, Saskatchewan, Canada on June 29, 1935. He proudly served in the United States Coast Guard from 1955 to 1961. Most of his service was spent maintaining light houses on the California coast. His favorite assignment was on Alcatraz Island. After the Coast Guard, he and his family settled in Spokane, Washington. Mel was proud to become a United States Citizen on January 11, 1966. Mel was soon hired as a tool maker at Boeing and moved from Spokane to Federal Way. He worked for Boeing for 28 years. He was proud of the fact that he was never laid off during his years there. Mel retired as a tooling supervisor in 1994. Mel has always had a passion for dogs. Over the years he raised German Shepherds and Great Danes. He showed and competed in obedience at AKC shows with his Great Danes. It was through these dog shows that he met his second wife, Diane Sara Baker. They were married on August 4, 1984. Together they raised and showed Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. They enjoyed traveling around the country to dog shows and developing many lasting friendships. Diane always referred to him as her social butterfly at the dog shows. In 1990, Mel and Diane built their forever home in Puyallup, Washington. They enjoyed adding their own special touches to the home over the years. Mel was the ultimate host and enjoyed hosting dinner parties for their many friends. Last year, Mel got to fulfill a long time dream. He and Diane went on a cruise and land tour to Alaska. While there he got to fish on the Copper River for salmon. Mel married his first wife, Janice Carolyn Spratt, on October 31, 1954. They had four children, 3 girls and 1 boy. They divorced in the 1970’s. Mel is survived by his wife, Diane Braunagel. His children, Cyndi McCrite, Tara Thayer, Rhonda (Jeff) Vogel, Melvin (John) (Crystal) J. Braunagel, JR and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mel was a strong, vibrant, funny man. His sense of humor and love to talk made it easy for him to make friends. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Friends are encouraged to join the family for a graveside service. The service will be held at Woodbine Cemetery, in Puyallup, on Saturday, June 8, at 1 pm. There will be a reception, after the graveside service, at the home of Diane Braunagel. Everyone is welcome.