Branstad, Edward A. (1924-2013)

BRANSTAD, PETERSON, GARLAND, WING, COSTA, AITCHISON, PHILLIPS, IVERSON

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 8/8/2013 at 11:53:25

Edward A. Branstad
March 9, 1924 - July 26, 2013

LELAND - Edward A. Branstad, 89, of Leland, died on Friday, July 26, 2013, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

Born on March 9, 1924, to Helmer and Hazel (Peterson) Branstad, Edward grew up on the farm that has been in his family for 130 years. He also attended Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Leland where he had been confirmed. Upon graduating from Leland High School, he enrolled at Waldorf College in Forest City.

Subsequently, Edward returned to the family farm with his wife, Rita, where they both became lifelong farmers. His sons recall that after the family had worked a typical 14-hour day on the farm, Edward would regularly comment as they walked in the house, “We didn't get much done today. We will give it heck tomorrow.” He would demonstrate that work ethic repeatedly.

During the mid-century drought and farm crisis, Edward and Rita helped the farm survive by taking second jobs. Again, during the farm crisis of the 1980s, Edward took a second job working as the county Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) director. After leaving the office, he returned to the farm, often working until midnight.

When Edward turned 70, he vowed to work no more than ten hours a day. He never met that goal. Friends and family remember that he would help anyone. He stopped to help stranded motorists; he mowed the neighbors' lawns; and he took time to teach farmers how to comply with ASCS regulations. As Edward entered his 80s, he found he was able to relax when he and Enolia traveled to Donna, Texas, where they spent their winters. His family notes, however, that when he returned, he talked mostly about helping neighbors fix up their homes or about traveling to Mexico to do missionary work.

Edward was preceded in death by Rita (Garland) Branstad, his wife of forty-four years.

He is survived by Enolia Wing Branstad, his wife of twenty-three years; two sons, Terry (Chris) Branstad, of Panora, and Monroe (Lanette) Branstad, of Leland; his grandchildren, Christine (David Phillips) Branstad, Eric (Adrianne) Branstad, Allison (Jerry) Costa, Heidi (Tom) Aitchison, Jordan Branstad, Marcus (Nicole) Branstad, Andrew (Keniesa) Branstad, and David Branstad; and his great-grandchildren: Samuel Branstad Phillips and Thomas Branstad Phillips; Mackenzie, Madison, Gabriel, Bridget, Alexis, and Estelle Branstad; Maximillian and Addison Aitchison; and Sofia Costa; as well as three siblings, Carl (Lorraine) Branstad, Helene Iverson, and Hubert (Fern) Branstad.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, July 29, 2013, in the Atrium at Waldorf College, 106 S. 6th St. in Forest City, with Msgr. Frank Bognanno, Pastor Jon Rollefson, and Pastor Joyce Schmidt officiating. Burial will be at Forest Home Cemetery in Leland. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, Sunday, July 28, 2013, at Waldorf College, Salveson Hall, Forest City, and will continue one hour prior to services at the Atrium. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City is in charge of the arrangements.

Copyright © 2013, Petersen Lund Funeral Home

Petersen Lund Funeral Home
 

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