George David Branstad, 92

Published 10:42 am Wednesday, August 10, 2016

George David Branstad, 92

George David Branstad, 92, of Remer, Minnesota, formerly of Austin, died from an apparent heart attack on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016, at Essentia Health Deer River Hospital.

George was born May 17, 1924, in Frederic, Wisconsin, the son of Gustav and Emma (Ingebretson) Branstad. He graduated from high school in Hayfield, Minnesota. On Sept. 25, 1948, George married Veleria Patzer in Austin. He served his country in World War II in the U.S. Air Force. One of his proudest moments was on April 30, 2011, when he went on the Honor Flight, visiting the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.

George worked at Hormel Foods in Austin for over 30 years, with many of those years also spent running Graves Lake Resort in Remer, Minnesota. For over 50 years, Graves Lake Resort was their home and passion, making numerous friends and memories. He donned many hats at the Resort, including as plumber, electrician, carpenter and doing whatever else needed to be done, but he always found time for his biggest joy, walleye fishing. George was active in the church community, oftentimes giving the message to the congregation. He prided himself on the brevity of his message. During the winter months, George and his wife Larry spent their time in Apache Junction, Arizona.

Survivors include his wife, Veleria ‘Larry’ Branstad of Remer, Minnesota; sons: David (Kathy) Branstad of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota and Dan (Susan) Branstad of Owatonna, Minnesota; grandchildren: Paul (Kelli) Branstad, Adam Branstad, Breana (Trevor) Fischer, Sam Branstad, Matthew Branstad; great-grandchildren: and Maddy, Sophia, Michaela, Elsie, Eleanor and Grace. George was preceded in death by his parents Gustav and Emma Branstad, his sisters Alice Holtan and Carmen Holtan, and his brothers Carl Branstad and Kenny Branstad.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Jeff Forbes officiating. The Branstad Family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 10, at Worlein Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Interment will follow the service in Grandview Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post 91. Memorials can be directed to C.A.S.T. For Kids Foundation (https://impact.castforkids.org/georgebranstad). Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.