Kenneth "Ken" Branstetter

Kenneth “Ken” E. Branstetter, 89

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Kenneth “Ken” E. Branstetter, 89, of Wallace, Idaho, passed away September 25, 2016 at Pacifica of Pinehurst.  He was born March 6, 1927 in Hartville, Missouri; Ken was the son of William and Cordillia Branstetter of Wright County, Missouri                                                                      .

Ken attended and graduated from the Hartville High School of Hartville, Missouri.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army (infantry) during WW II.

Ken first moved to Idaho in 1947 and began working at the Carlisle (Ray Jefferson) mine of the Day Mines Company with his brother, Harry.  Ken then furthered his education and studied at the Telegraphy and Railroad School of Spokane, Washington.  He started his railroad career at the Wallace Depot for the Northern Pacific Railroad.  Ken then transferred to various stations throughout Western Montana as a general station agent for freight and passenger services.  In 1959, Ken successfully bid for the Wallace Depot position, moved his family to Wallace and worked there until its closure in 1981.  He loved working in Wallace and hated to see the Depot close.  After the closure, Ken worked at various stations in Montana and Idaho, until his retirement in 1983.

Ken proudly married a Burke girl, (Billie) Joann Berry, on September 9, 1950 in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho; they just celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.

Ken had been a member of the Wallace Mens’ Bowling League and a member of the Northern Pacific Railroad Telegraphers Club.

Ken loved and enjoyed his family, gardening, fishing, deer and elk hunting and playing his guitar.  He especially enjoyed and admired sports cars, in particular, red Alfa Romeos.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife Joann Branstetter of Wallace; three children Debbie (Greg) York of Oregon City, Oregon, Mike (Nancy) Branstetter of Osburn, Idaho and Teri Ford of Spokane Valley, Washington; four grandchildren Heather Branstetter, Katie Bauer, Sam Branstetter and Erin LeDoux; two great-grandchildren Violet and Josie Bauer; Ken is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers, two sisters and one grandchild.

A Celebration of Ken’s Life will be held on Friday, September 30, 2016 at 11:00 A.M., at the United Church of Christ Congregational of Wallace with Pastor Alice Ling officiating.  A reception and a gathering of family and friends will be held at the Wallace Elks following services.
The family suggests that memorials may be made to the United Church Of Christ Congregational, 408 Cedar Street, Wallace, Idaho 83873 or to the River City Hospice, 3726 E. Mullan Ave., Post Falls, Idaho 83854.
One may sign Ken’s online guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com
SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORY KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with funeral arrangements.