Arden Branning

Arden Arthur Branning was born on December 28, 1946, the son of Art and Bernice (Vetter) Branning in Carroll, Iowa. He was baptized and later confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia, Iowa. He completed his education at Ar-We-Va High School, graduating with the class of 1964. After high school, he proudly served in the United States Army until receiving his honorable discharge.

In 1967, Arden married Monica Walters at Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia. Together, they were blessed with four children: Jodi, Carrie, Amy, and Cory. The family made their home on a farm just one mile north of Halbur, where Arden worked on the land and raised pigs. Eventually, the couple divorced. He moved to Perry, where he worked as the main lead of operations at Redfield Brick and Tile. The company was based out of Italy, in which enabled him to travel there often and he always appreciated that they served wine with every meal. After his well deserved retirement, he moved to Carroll and helped part time at the car wash to stay active and social. 

A lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia, Arden also volunteered with T.A.P. in Carroll, where he made many friends who looked out for him. He had a passion for fishing and loved spending time outdoors. Family gatherings often included card games, especially Euchre, which he enjoyed playing with loved ones. Before his illness took hold, he was a regular attendee at his family's events. Arden had a particular fondness for sweets, from cakes and baked goods to circus peanuts, and he never missed his nightly bowl of ice cream before bed. He was a genuinely kind man, always polite and respectful of others’ time. His quick wit and sense of humor brought laughter to those around him and left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Arden passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the Denison Care Center in Denison, Iowa at the age of 78 years, five months and five days. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law, Margie Branning; partner later in life, Geri; sister, Nancy (Larry) Anthony; and siblings-in-law, Kenny Lux

Arden is survived by four children: Jodi (Mike) Lee of Manchester, Carrie (Matt) Davis of Denison, Amy Cummings of Des Moines and Cory (Penny) Branning of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren: Michael (Ashley), Ryan, Madison, Alex (Ashley), Shelby, Paige and Raya; five great-grandchildren; siblings: Peggy Lux of Paton, Carma (Chad) Popp of Mitchell, South Dakota; and other family members and friends.

His family will be holding his Celebration of Life from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Vail Community Building in Vail, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the family.