Matthew Edward Braun

Matt leaves behind his loving wife Bernadette “BB” Marie Braun (nee Smith); his parents Michael and Ann Braun; his siblings Stephen (Ali) Braun, Julie (Jared) Smolin and Kelly (Caleb) Murray; his parents-in-law Keith and Monica Smith; and brothers-in-law Stephen (Jenna) Smith and Martin (Jillian Jarboe) Smith. Matt was a wonderful uncle to Jackson Braun; Teddy, Luke, Brooks and Callum Smolin; Connor and Colton Murray; and Elle Smith. He is also survived by his loving extended family of uncles, aunts and cousins. Matt is preceded in death by his first wife Denise Marie Bertholin Braun.

Matt was a graduate of St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, and The University of North Carolina School of Information and Library Science. Post-academic studies, Matt served at the George Washington University Law School, the Law Library of Congress, The University of Iowa College of Law, University of Illinois College of Law, and the Vincent C. Immel Law Library at St. Louis University School of Law where he was the current Director. Matt was passionate about law librarianship, and few things made him more proud than seeing his students succeed in their post-law school legal careers.

Matt was an avid hiker who enjoyed spending time in nature. He had an encyclopedic memory for maps and travel. His keen ability to find his way wherever he went, whether on an interstate or down a ski slope, left all in awe and assured friends and family that he would always find his way home. He loved learning the history of a place and how the past shaped the present, and looked forward to learning more about St. Louis. Some of Matt’s favorite musical groups included Rush, The Beatles, The Police, REM, U2, the Grateful Dead, many classic jazz artists, and most recently ambient electronic artists. Another favorite interest of his was collegiate football and athletics, especially the Ohio State and Notre Dame football programs. Whenever something captured his interest, he learned about it thoroughly, to a level of detail that people found surprising and impressive.

After Matt’s diagnosis, he was comforted by his faith and his family. Cholangiocarcinoma was a difficult diagnosis to accept, and he was grateful for the guidance and reassurance he received from spiritual advisors who helped along the way.

As we all move forward after May 28, Matt’s kind heart, generous nature, sense of humor, and passion will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and colleagues who loved him dearly.

The family would like to share special thanks with the nurses, hospitalists, oncologists, and staff in BJC’s Parkview Tower, especially units 12800 and 11800, and at Siteman Cancer Center. Their compassion and care helped Matt and his family throughout several tough stays in the hospital. The family would also like to thank the faculty and staff at St. Louis University School of Law for their support and understanding over the last five months.

Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to St. Louis Area Foodbank, UNICEF, or the Winter Inn program at St. Francis Xavier College Church.

On June 12, 2025 a visitation will be held at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, 6464 Chippewa Street, St. Louis, MO 63109, from 4:00pm-7:00pm. A rosary will be said at 6:30pm.

On June 13, 2025, a visitation followed by a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier College Church, 3628 Lindell Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108 (Located on St. Louis University campus). Visitation will be held at 9:00am and mass will begin at 10:00am. Street parking is available near the church. A nearby garage is located at 3602 Laclede Ave.