Karl Braller

Karl was a veteran of the US Army Reserves, serving from 1965-1971, and spent 37 years with the Hoover Company in North Canton, Ohio. More than anything, he loved spending time with his family, gardening, and a good cup of coffee (or two or three). He always put others first, willing to help out and drop everything at a moment’s notice to babysit his grandchildren or care for a friend. My Dad was always happy-go-lucky and would talk to anyone. He loved his seven grandkids more than anything; loved reading to them, singing with them, and playing games (unbeatable at Ants in the Pants) with them.

I wrote this after he passed:

My Dad turned 75 on June 27th. A year ago, we had a big party for him. We never expected
he could somehow beat this damn brain cancer long enough to celebrate another birthday, but he did. We should have known better. He was never on anybody’s schedule. He did what he wanted, when he wanted. As I write this, I think about how Jesse tells me that is how I am. Maybe I got it from my Dad…
My Dad had 6 granddaughters and 1 grandson. My little dude sure loves his Papa. He still sleeps with the same bunny my Dad gave him on his very first Easter. It’s looking a little rough these days.
We lived 7 hours apart, but we did our best to see each other as much as we could. I’ve got some great memories captured in photos to remind my kids as the years go by.
Papa was with us the first time we went to a pumpkin patch.
Papa wasn’t much of a sports fan, but here he is playing t-ball with you.
And here you are playing superheroes. I can’t tell you how many times you made Papa go up and down the hallway….
I know you think you were just pretending, but did you know Papa was a real superhero?
Only superheroes can fight when they are told there is zero hope.
Only superheroes can find the strength to keep going when they are getting knocked down.
Only superheroes can be brave when everything is overwhelmingly scary.
Only superheroes can make the world feel like it is ending when they are gone….