Willard 'Bill' Branch

WILLARD "BILL" A. BRANCH

Davenport

Willard "Bill" A. Branch, 96, of Davenport, passed away Friday, Dec. 25, 2020, at Country Manor, Davenport. A graveside service will be held at a later date at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Lowden, Iowa.

Bill was born Feb. 21, 1924, in Stanhope, Iowa, the son of Attie and Anna (Hanson) Branch. He married Donna M. Ruchotzke on June 8, 1952, in Lowden. He earned his undergraduate degree from Iowa State University. He later attended Stout State College and graduated with a master's degree. Bill was a proud U.S. veteran serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He served in the 8th Airforce and the 401st Bombardment Group. He was a teacher in four respective communities: Coggon, Iowa; Colesburg, Iowa; DeWitt, Iowa; and Davenport Central High School, along with teaching in various vocational and educational settings within the community. Bill was also faithfully dedicated to a life of service and membership within the Lutheran church.

Bill is survived by his wife of 68 years, Donna Branch, Davenport; daughters, Jennifer Gilchrist of Davenport, Susan Klatt of Tulsa, Okla., Jill (Wally) Lechtenberg of Bettendorf and Mary (Paul) Pett of Green Bay, Wis.; 12 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael Branch; siblings, Nelson, Pauline, Jean, Ruth and Inez; along with other beloved sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

On behalf of our entire family, thank you to the staff of Country Manor and Compassus Hospice Team for making Bill's last days special, memorable and peaceful. We are grateful for the professional and sensitive manner in which your services and care are administered to your clients and their families.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family for the dedication of a memorial to be determined. Online condolences may be left to Bill's family at www.wheelanpressly.com.