Bernice Branning

Bernice Olga, daughter of Otto and Rosa (Boldt) Vetter, was born August 21, 1921 at home on the family farm south of Arcadia, Iowa. Bernice was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia. After completing her schooling in the rural school near her home, she remained at home to help her parents. On September 16, 1942 Bernice was united in marriage with Arthur Henry Branning at First Lutheran Church in Omaha, NE. Later that month her husband entered the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge he returned to Iowa where they lived, farmed and raised their family on the family farm. After retiring from farming, they moved to Arcadia in 1974. During their retirement they enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling and playing cards. Bernice was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia where she volunteered in many capacities, including the Ladies Aid activities. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary in Manning and American Legion Auxiliary in Arcadia. In addition she was involved with the Arcadia Cemetery Association. As their health began to fail, they both became residents of the Manning Plaza Nursing Home, enjoying being together until Arthur's death in 2006. Bernice continued to live at the Plaza until her death on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at the age of 93 years, 3 months and 29 days. Preceding Bernice in death are her parents; husband; four grandchildren: twins in infancy, Jason Popp and Julie Lux; two sons in law Larry Anthony and Ken Lux; three brothers Virgil, Albert and Raymond Vetter and five sisters Valeria Vetter, Ida Schmidt, Selma Dalgety, Margaret Borkowski and Phyllis Mumm. She is survived by her children Nancy Anthony of Stickney, SD; Arden Branning of Carroll; Carma Popp (Chad) of Mitchell, SD and Peggy Lux of Paton, IA; nine grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; sister Ruth Riessen of Vail; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Officiating Reverend Benjamin Dose Music "I'm But a Stranger Here" "In the Garden" "Away In The Manger" Congregation Carlys Stribe, Accompanist Casket Bearers Terry Anthony Tracie Anthony Jodi Lee Carrie Davis Amy Cummings Cory Branning Gary Popp Adam Popp Jenny Vote Interment Arcadia Cemetery, Arcadia, Iowa