Obituary for Merl D. Branson
Merl D. Branson, 91, a lifelong resident of Rensselaer, Indiana passed away Monday morning, June 7, 2021 at Franciscan Health Rensselaer. He was born in Rensselaer on June 29, 1929, the son of Jerry Branson and Esther (Peterson) Branson. He was a graduate of Rensselaer High School. Merl served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany from 1952-1953. He was a lifetime member of the VFW.
Merl was a grain and livestock farmer his entire life. He was a 10-year member of 4-H, and won grand champion steer four consecutive years, from 1943-1946.
On August 22, 1977, in Rensselaer, he married Martha Eisele. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Marlene Branson and Tom (Stephanie) Branson; and two grandchildren, Luke Branson and Kerry Branson. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Paul Branson; and one sister, Helen Ruth McElwee.
Visitation will be Friday, June 11, 2021 from 9-11 a.m. at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. Funeral services will be held at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer on Friday, June 11, 2021 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Melvin Lane officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Weston Cemetery. Due to the pandemic, masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged by the family.
Memorials may be made to the organization of your choice.
Steinke Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.
Merl was a grain and livestock farmer his entire life. He was a 10-year member of 4-H, and won grand champion steer four consecutive years, from 1943-1946.
On August 22, 1977, in Rensselaer, he married Martha Eisele. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Marlene Branson and Tom (Stephanie) Branson; and two grandchildren, Luke Branson and Kerry Branson. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Paul Branson; and one sister, Helen Ruth McElwee.
Visitation will be Friday, June 11, 2021 from 9-11 a.m. at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. Funeral services will be held at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer on Friday, June 11, 2021 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Melvin Lane officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Weston Cemetery. Due to the pandemic, masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged by the family.
Memorials may be made to the organization of your choice.
Steinke Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.