Larry J Braniff

Larry James Braniff, 73 of Houston, died Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at Caledonia Care and Rehab. Larry was born September 15, 1939 in Waterloo, IA to Frank D. and Margarette (Heinel) Braniff. He graduated from Waterloo West High in 1957 and enlisted in the United States Navy, serving in the Mediterranean on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1957 - 1961. On March 16, 1963, he was united in marriage to Charlotte F. Happel, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this March. Following his discharge, Larry worked for Viking Pump in Waterloo until 1965 when he began working as an auditor for John Deere, where he worked until his retirement in 1998. In 1999, Larry and Charlotte moved to Houston, MN where they purchased Charlotte's family farm and he lived the remainder of his life. He was a UAW 838 Member, a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Waterloo and regularly attended South Ridge United Methodist Church. In his early years, Larry enjoyed stock car races and working on cars and later in his life he enjoyed attending local fairs, traveling and most important spending time with his family.Larry is survived by his wife, Charlotte; four children, Frank of Waterloo, IA, Bonnie (John) Garbes of Cedar Rapids, IA, Nicole of Waterloo, IA and Marc of Rochester; grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and nieces, nephews , cousins and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Terry (Steffi) Braniff.Memorial Service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, August 24, 2013 at South Ridge United Methodist Church with the Reverend Mark Bengtson officiating. Burial will follow in Loretta Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 -7 p.m., Friday, August 23 at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service in Houston and one hour prior to the service at church.Please share a memory of Larry and sign his online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com