Linwood Brann

Visitation:

5-7 p.m., Tuesday, February 28 at Christ Lutheran Church, 467 E. Colome St., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

and again from 10 - 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 29, also at Christ Lutheran Church

Funeral Service:

11 a.m., Wednesday, February 29 at Christ Lutheran Church

Linwood C. Brann, age 82, of Eau Claire, passed away Friday, February 24, 2012 with his family by his side.

Linwood was born September 25, 1929 in LaMoine, Maine, the son of Ida Mae (Adams) and Lysander Brann. He was the 6th child born into the family of eleven children. He grew up in Bar Harbor, Maine and attended elementary school there until the family moved to Old Orchard Beach, Maine, where Linwood completed his high school years. He was very active in all sports, captain of the football and track teams, president of the student council, plus many other activities. After graduation from high school, Linwood enlisted in the U.S. Navy and spent five years as a Communication Technician during the Korean War, serving from 1947 until his honorable discharge in 1952.

While stationed in Washington D.C., he met Kleone Furman, who was working for the Navy Department and the Dept. of Defense. They were married in Arlington, Virginia on December 2, 1950. They lived in California for one year at which time Lin completed his tour of duty with the Navy, and the couple returned to Wisconsin. Lin completed his education at Wisconsin State University, LaCrosse, graduating with the highest honors. He then continued his education at the University of Minnesota where he received his Masters Degree in Education.

Lin taught 6th grade in Eau Claire for five years before moving to Chippewa Falls where he began a career as principal of the Junior High School. During this time when plans were being made for contruction of a new middle school, Lin and his assistant principal worked with the architects helping with ideas in designing the school. Lin became the prinicipal when the new Middle School opened, and was instrumental in creating many innovative programs at this model middle school. He loved teaching and being involved with the children. He always said "they keep you young!" and wanted to be remembered as a friend to the students.

While living in Chippewa Falls, Lin was a member of the Rotary Club; Wisconsin Teachers Assn.; Wisconsin Education Assn.; and the Secondary School Principals Assn. He was also active in church and was president of the church council at Central Lutheran Church. He later became a charter member of Christ Lutheran Church and helped in the construction and building of that church.

After retiring from his position at the Middle School, Lin and Kleone travelled in their motor home for several years to just about every state in the U.S. before settling down in Bonita Springs, Florida, where they spent the winters for the past 15 years.

Linwood is survived by his wife of 61 years, Kleone of Eau Claire; his son, Mark Stephen Brann of Eau Claire and his children, Adam and Sarah; his daughter, Kimberley Lynn (Patrick) Murphy of Cottage Grove, Minn. and their children, Christopher (Jennifer) Stavely, Jeremy Stavely, Patrick Jr. (Nina) Murphy, Christina Murphy and Tana (Michael) Rugel. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, Emma, Mariah, Dayton, Adrion, Antonio, Natalya, Eve and Myla; three sisters, Barbara Salvatore of Manchester, Conn., Laura Smith of Quincy, Mass., and Esther Jensen of Plymouth, Mass.; a sister-in-law, Marilyn Adams of Bonita Springs, Florida; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Lin was predeceased by his parents; six brothers, Ralph, Lysander, Durell, Edward, Lewis and John; and a sister, Rebecca.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 29 at Christ Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls with the Rev. Mark Homp, officiating.

Visitation hours will be from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, February 28 and one hour prior to the service Wednesday, all at Christ Lutheran Church, 467 E. Colome St., Chippewa Falls.

Memorials in Linwood's honor may be designated to Christ Lutheran Church and School or to the charity of your choice.

AFTERSERVICE

A funeral service for Linwood C. Brann, age 82, of Eau Claire was held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at Christ Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls. The Rev. Mark Homp officiated and music was provided by organist, Marilyn Brace and vocalist, Peter Lea.

Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls at a later date. Casket bearers were grandchildren: Adam and Sarah Brann, Christopher and Jeremy Stavely.