January 5, 1945 – December 15, 2025
Sonia Zarsuela Braun, 80, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Monday, December 15, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center. She was deeply loved by many and will be remembered for her generous heart, joyful spirit, and unwavering kindness.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 AM Friday, December 19, 2025 at Epiphany Parish – Holy Family Catholic Church, 722 N. Adams Ave., Mason City with Rev. David O’Connor as Celebrant. Burial will be held in Rockwell Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St NE Mason City, Iowa, where a Rosary will be led followed by a Scriptural Wake service beginning at 6:30 PM.
Sonia was born in Agdangan, Philippines, the daughter of Theodoro Aguilar and Lolita (Zarsuela) Aguilar. In 1970, she immigrated to the United States following her first marriage and began building a new life while raising her son, James.
Over the years, Sonia worked at Good Shepherd as a nurse, caring for others with compassion and grace. It was during this time that she met Merlin Braun, whom she later married. Together, they shared many happy years filled with travel, laughter, and dancing. Sonia had a true love for dancing and brought that joy to others by organizing danceathons at the VFW, creating spaces where people could come together in celebration. After Merlin’s passing, she spent the last 15 years with her loving companion, Alvin Muth.
Sonia was known as a giving person who believed family was not defined by blood alone. She welcomed others openly and lived by the belief that everyone deserved kindness and understanding. Her home and heart were always open.
She was also a talented cook and seamstress, often preparing meals for loved ones and creating her own outfits, as well as handmade items for others. These personal touches reflected her creativity and the care she showed to those around her.
Sonia’s legacy of generosity, love, and joy will live on in the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Those left to cherish memories of Sonia are her son, James (Stephanie Berlin) Schneider; grandson, Andrew Schneider; sister, Maria Theresa Dahho; brother, Manuel Aguilar; companion, Alvin Muth; sisters-in-law, CharLou Hanson, Pamela Rick, and Laurie Kapke; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family members and friends.
Sonia is preceded in death by her husband Merlin Braun; sisters, Evelyn Kelly and Dulce Aguilar; brother, Nestor Aguilar; her parents; as well as other siblings and many friends.
colonialchapels.com