Chester Branch

Chester Arthur Branch, was born on January 7, 1920 in Blue Mounds Township, Pope County, Minnesota to Albert and Edith (Ekstrom) Branch. He grew up in rural Starbuck on the family farm along with his five brothers. He attended rural School District #36. Chester was united in marriage to Evelyn Grenson on October 26, 1945 at the Fron Parsonage in Starbuck, Minnesota. The couple had three children, Denice, Charles and Ronald. Chester was a farmer his entire life, farming the land where he was born and raised.

He served over 40 years as supervisor on the Blue Mounds Town Board. He also served on the District #36 School Board. Chester was a member of the Central MN Draft Horse Association; the Belgian Draft Horse Corporation and the Haflinger Registry. He thoroughly enjoyed raising and working with horses. For several years, he took his team and wagon to local parades and gave rides to children.

Chester died on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 on the farm where he was born, having lived to reach the age of 89 years and five months.

Chester is survived by his wife, Evelyn; his daughter and her husband Denice and David Velde of Glenwood and his son and his wife Ron and Ann Branch of Alexandria. Also surviving are four grandsons, Frank of Moorhead, John, Eric and Carl all of Alexandria; three great-grandchildren: Kyra, Sebastian and Eden; brothers: Elvin (Clara Mae) of Ashland, WI and Herbert (Marcy) of Minnetonka. Chester is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Charles in 1968; his parents, Albert and Edith and brothers Winfred, Arlin and Arthur.

Pallbearers for the service are: Leonard Branch, Steve Branch, Darrel Branch, John Branch, Jeff Branch and Bruce Branch. Marie Anderson will serve as pianist for the service with Audrey and Bruce Aga providing special music. Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of the arrangements.