KURT VON BRAUNER (JIM BRAWNER)
1921-2004
Jim Brawner, a huge draw in the 1960s as the dastardly German villain Kurt Von Brauner, passed away Friday, June 4, 2004. The cause of death appears to have been a stroke.

Don Curtis said, “He was a special man, and we all lost a good friend.”

Part of one of the most hated – truly hated -- tag teams of the 1960s with brother Karl (Doug Donovan), managed by Gentleman Saul Weingeroff. The Von Brauners were a tough

pair who knew how to take care of themselves, which always came in handy against the unruly crowds that they whipped into a fury. Unlike the other German heels of the time, they refused to work comedy, and this gave them a tremendous amount of added credibility. To further show the Von Brauner’s dedication to their sport and their gimmick, both men legally changed their names to their wrestling names.

There was another Kurt Von Brauner, Willie Rutgowski, who died in the early 1990s. This wrestler also worked as Kurt Von Stroheim. Rutgowski replaced Brawner in 1965, when he decided to leave the team. In 1965, Brawner formed a new version of the team, paired with Eric Von Brauner.

Brawner was an active member of the Gulf Coast Wrestling Reunion. Kurt’s widow, Jo Ann, said "I know that Kurt is with the Lord and is smiling down on all of us and telling all of us the old saying you have, ‘Where Grudges Are Forgotten and Friendships are Renewed.’ I am so happy for him that he decided to go to the Reunions. Kurt and I want to thank all of you for making him so happy!"

Jo Ann is very appreciative of the cards, e-mails and telephone calls she has already received. Should you wish to send her a condolence card, the address is:
Jo Ann Brawner
8430 East 27th Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33619.

We at the Cauliflower Alley Club send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jim Brauner.