Elizabeth Branstad

Elizabeth J. “Liz” Branstad, 83, Grantsburg, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 11, 2013, surrounded by her family. She was born June 28, 1930 in Grantsburg, daughter of the late Joseph and Ellen (Felland) Larson. Liz attended public schools and was a 1948 graduate of Grantsburg High School. During her early life, she helped on the family farm, and worked at the Gedney Pickle Factory, Northwestern Electric Co., and at the local drug store. On October 17, 1953, Elizabeth married Dr. Goodwin B. Branstad, DVM, at English Lutheran Church, Grantsburg. For a few years, Liz worked at Frederic Hospital and studied nursing. She also helped her husband in his veterinary practice. Following Goowin’s death, Liz worked with daughter, Karla, at her pet grooming/ boarding kennel business. She was a life-long, active member of Faith Lutheran Church (formerly English Lutheran) and a member of the WELCA circle. Liz was also a member of the Grantsburg American Legion Auxiliary and was an American Red Cross volunteer, chairing the local blood drives for several years. Lately she was assisting at the Grantsburg Senior Citizen Center. She also enjoyed tending her yard, gardening, canning, pickling, baking - especially for Christmas, and traveling. Surviving are three daughters: Jenny (Gary) Palmen, Afton, MN; Mary (Jon) Peterson, White Bear Lake, MN; and Karla (Steve) Freeberg, Siren, WI; granddaughter, Ellen Palmen, Afton, MN; brother-in-law, Bevan Branstad, Grantsburg; sister-in-law, Marcella Griep, California; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Goodwin, on May 29, 1996; and a brother, Walter Larson. A Memorial Service honoring Elizabeth Branstad will be conducted on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, Grantsburg, Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday, Dec. 18th, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, PO Box 68, Grantsburg, WI, 54840, or Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, 102 E. Crex Ave., Grantsburg, WI, 54840 (www.crexmeadows.org). Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Grantsburg Chapel, is assisting Liz’s family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com