Leo Ralph Bragg

Leo Ralph Bragg, age 92 of St. Helen, passed away Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at Bortz Health Care in West Branch. Leo was born in West Branch June 19, 1921 to Ralph and Helena (Baumchen) Bragg. He had lived in St. Helen since 1976, formerly of Flint. Leo was a member of St. Helen Catholic Church, Disabled American Veterans and the VFW of St. Helen and a member of the Knights of Columbus in West Branch. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII and received a Purple Heart, then was called back during the Korean War where he worked as an orderly at the Great Lakes Hospital in Wisconsin. Leo enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling. He retired from General Motors in 1976 after 30 years of service. Leo is survived by his children, Ralph (Nancy) Bragg of Flint, Lynn (George) Gilliam of Mt. Morris, Sharrel (Ray) Caldwell of Lapeer and Dawn (Scott) Anders of Burton, his grandchildren Steve Onore, Georgie Gilliam, Tommy Gilliam, Johny Gilliam, Nickolas (Melissa) Caldwell, Cory (Jen) Caldwell, Shawn Anders, Dustin Anders, Tiffiny (Luke) Klarich and his great-grandchildren, Johny, Robert, Austin, Brayden, Dylan and Nathan. Also surviving are his brother Paul (Bonnie) Bragg of West Branch and his sister-in-law Carol Jean Bragg. He was preceded in death by his wife Janis Bragg, his grandson Christopher Caldwell, his brothers Henry, Edward and John and his sisters, Catherine Gehl and Theresa Bragg. Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in St. Helen will begin on Friday, October 4, 2013 from 3-9 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. officiated by Sr. Barbara Matievich O.P. On Saturday, Leo will lie in state at St. Helen Catholic Church beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in West Branch with military honors. Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of Helping Hands, West Branch or to St. Helen Catholic Church.