Earl Lawrence Branum

Earl Lawrence Branum, age 75, passed away in his home after a brave battle with esophageal cancer. He was surrounded by his loving and devoted family. He showed his family and friends what it means to be resilient, strong, devoted, honest, faithful and kind.

Earl was born on July 27, 1942, in Austin, Minnesota to Lawrence and Ethel (Holmquist) Branum. He spent much of his younger years at Gillette Children’s Hospital where he received care for tuberculosis of the hip. His father was at war in Europe during this time, and his mother cared for him, often working at the hospital so she could be close. His sister, Janet (Branum) Adams later joined the family in 1949.

Earl graduated from Austin High School in 1960, and from Winona State University with a degree in Biology in 1965. It was there that he met his sweet and loving wife Martha (Paulson) Branum. They were married on August 1, 1964. He began his career at the Mayo Clinic, and they settled down in Chatfield, Minnesota. They had three children together, Sherri, Mark, and Beth. Earl worked 39 years as a laboratory supervisor at the Mayo Clinic.  He was a wonderful grandpa to 8 grandchildren - Danica, Olivia, Kenna, Victor, Isaac, Luther, Luke, and Calvin.

He was involved with the Jaycees, Chatfield City Council, the Chatfield Volunteer Ambulance Crew, Chatfield Lutheran Church, the Southeastern Synod ELCA, and Light of the Cross Lutheran Church in Garrison, Minnesota. He enjoyed fishing, spending time at their lake home on Smith Lake, turkey hunting, deer hunting, golfing, woodworking, traveling, and spending cold winter months in Arizona. He loved watching the Twins, Vikings, Gophers and all sporting events. During his cancer treatments and surgery over the past year, he looked forward to nights when the Minnesota Twins played. Though he had many hobbies, he enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s activities mostof all. Between sports, concerts, academic events, and church programs, he attended as many events as he possibly could. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Ethel.

He is survived by his wife Martha; children, Sherri (Bill) Thornburg of Kasson, Minnesota, Mark (Carol Thompson) Branum of Seattle, Washington, daughter Beth (Brent) Scharpman of Byron, Minnesota, his sister Janet (Bryan) Adams of Big Lake, Minnesota, his 8 grandchildren Danica, Olivia, Kenna, Isaac, Victor, Luther, Luke, and Calvin. He leaves behind many special nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, in-laws, friends, and neighbors.

Visitation will be held at Chatfield Lutheran Church from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16th, and from 10 a.m.to 11 a.m.on Wednesday, January 17th. His funeral service will be at Chatfield Lutheran Church at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 17th with Pastors Mark Docken and Nissa Peterson officiating.  Burial will be at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin, Minnesota.

Memorials will be given in honor of Earl to the Chatfield Lutheran Youth Scholarship Fund and the Eagles Cancer Telethon. If you have a special memory to share, please visit RileyFuneralHomes.com.