LaMoyne Branden

LaMoyne V. Branden of Greenbush, MN, passed away on the evening of March 21, 2015, at the age of 80, surrounded by family at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

LaMoyne was born in Audubon, MN, to Carl and Lizzie (Danielson) Branden on July 20, 1934. He attended school in Audubon, and graduated from Audubon High School in 1952 with valedictorian honors. It was in Audubon, as well, that he met his future wife, Janice Eilertson. They were engaged prior to LaMoyne’s induction into the United States Army in 1954. LaMoyne was honorably discharged from the Army on November 15, 1956, after two years of exemplary service as an Electrician with the 864^th Engineering Battalion. He married Janice ten days later at First Lutheran Church in Audubon, MN. LaMoyne attended Moorhead State College in Moorhead, MN, and graduated with a teaching degree in 1960. Upon graduation, he accepted a position teaching high school social studies in Greenbush, MN, and continued in that position until his retirement in 1993.

LaMoyne was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church, and served as president of the church council. He also served in his community as a member of the Greenbush City Council, as a board member at Elderbush Manor, as a member of the Legion in Greenbush, and as a charter member and past president of the local Lions Club.

“Mr. Branden” was known for his storytelling in his social studies classes. Following retirement he continued to hear from his former students how much they enjoyed having him as a teacher. He was an avid history buff and always enjoyed reading and talking about historical events as well as current news and politics. Other favorite activities included spending time with family and friends, engaging in spirited debates, watching a good sports game on TV, and doting on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

LaMoyne and Janice have three children: Lori (Brian) Schaible of Warroad, MN; Jason (Tammy) Branden of Thief River Falls, MN; and Lisa (Russell) Wicklund of Forest Lake, MN. Their four grandchildren are Lucas (Alissa) Schaible; Kelly (Mark) Schaible Thiele; Kimberly Schaible; and Russell C. Wicklund. Their two great-grandchildren are Lena Grace Schaible and Gerhardt Branden Schaible.

LaMoyne is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Larry, Dean, and Marlyn Branden.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years as well as his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; his sisters Doris Kaatz and Carol Haukedahl; his brother Duane Branden; his brother-in-law Duane “Dewey” Eilertson; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services were held on March 28, 2015 in Bethel Lutheran Church of Greenbush with Pastor Mark Mathews, officiating. Linda Sovde was the organist and Jeanne Novacek was the vocalist. Readers were Kelly Schaible Thiele and Kimmy Schaible. Pallbearers were Jason Branden, Brian and Luke Schaible, Russell C. Wicklund, Mark Thiele & Russell S. Wicklund. Designated Special Friends of the family were Sander & Jean Tureson and the entire Bethel family.

Burial was in Bethel Lutheran Cemetery of Greenbush with Military Honors provided by the Moen-Zimek Post 88 American Legion of Greenbush. Arrangements were with Gieseke Funeral Chapel of Greenbush.