Walter J. Brannan

Walter J. Brannan, 91, of South Range, died Wednesday July 29, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Duluth.

He was born February 16, 1929 in Pierre, SD, son of Joseph and Bessie (Peterson) Brannan.

Walter sailed on the Great Lakes as an oiler from 1944-1949. In 1949 he was hired by the Great Northern Railroad as a fireman and retired in 1990 as an engineer for the Burlington Northern Railroad.

On September 29, 1951 at Concordia Lutheran Church, Superior, Walter J. Brannan and Delores S. Moen were united in marriage.

From 1950 to 1952 he served with the U.S. Army 712th Transportation Railway Operating Battalion in Korea.

He enjoyed living in the country with his family working in his garden, and caring for his cattle, horses, pigs, and chickens on his hobby farm. Walter also loved fishing, hunting, camping, traveling, and going to play Keno at the casino. He was a loving and caring person and will be greatly missed.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Delores (Moen) Brannan in 2007; brothers, Charles, Robert, John and Lloyd Brannan, and Louis Johnson; and sisters, Dorothy Christiansen, Mae Graff, Pearl Nelson, Myrtle Johnson, Margaret Heckel, Violet Blundell and Beatrice Nordrum.

Survivors include his daughters, Janice (Arlyn) Brackemyer and Susan (Bill Mohr) Brannan; son, David Brannan; grandchildren, Jamie Goodiel, Richard Eischen, Andrew (Sarah) Brackemyer and Tony Mohr; 8 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from noon until the 1 p.m. service Saturday August 8, 2020 at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19th Street, Superior. Reverend Michelle Rowell, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church will officiate.

Military honors will be accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post 435 following the service at the funeral home.

To sign the online guest book or send condolences, visit www.downsfh.com