Keith Elliott Brannian

Keith Elliott Brannian, age 97, of Brooklyn, passed away on Monday, January 16, 2017, at the Brooklyn Community Estate. Funeral service: 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 20, 2017, at Kloster Funeral Home, Brooklyn. Burial will be in the Harmony Cemetery, rural Brooklyn. Visitation: 10 to 11:00 A.M., Friday, January 20, 2017, at Kloster Funeral Home, Brooklyn.

Keith is survived by his children Terry Ann Brannian (Dean Smith), Rochelle Lynne Brannian, Allen Ross (Mary) Brannian and Sam Brannian (Ramona McGurk); a granddaughter Riley; two step-grandchildren Krystal and Kenny Hoth; four step great-grandchildren Jacob Sanders, Alexander, Christian and Brenden Hoth; a brother Donald Brannian; sister-in-law Esther (Mrs. Ken Brannian); and many relative and friends including Philip Ryan, and Floyd and Jeanne Doty. He was preceded in death by his wife Gloria in 2002, his parents, and a brother Kenneth Brannian.

Keith Brannian was born September 2, 1919, in Lincoln Township, Poweshiek County, Iowa, the son of Elsie Elliott and Ross Brannian. He was graduated from the Brooklyn High School as valedictorian in 1937. Following graduation, he decided to forego his scholarship and began farming along with his father, until 1942. Keith joined the U.S. Army in August 1942-1946. He was united in marriage to Gloria Bealler in Younkers, New York, on September 6, 1947. He then continued farming with his family until buying and moving to “Agony Acres” in March 1950.

Keith’s greatest joys were foremost his family, then farming, followed by reading, music and travel. The writings and works of the following are among the favorites: Thomas Jefferson, George Washington Carver, George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, and Gene Kelly. Several quotations from special people in Keith’s life included:

Father Ross Brannian: “Look the other man in the eye and treat him as you wish to be treated”.

Samuel Bealler (father-in-law): “I have never met a man who I couldn’t talk to and learn something from him”.

Veterinarian Dr. Sylvester Millgate: “Take your little portion of this earth to use and cherish and leave it better than you found it”.