Donald M. Braniff

Donald Merlyn Braniff
Donald Braniff passed away on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016 at the age of 90. Donald was born along with his twin brother on Mother’s Day, May 10, 1925 at their grandparents’ farm in rural Ramsey County, North Dakota to William and Julia Berg Braniff. He attended schools in Southam and Doyon. He enlisted in the Army in 1943, proudly served his country in World War II. He was a member of the 79th Infantry Division, fighting in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. His Infantry Division earned three clusters for its duty in Europe plus eight Distinguished Unit Citations.
Upon his return from the war, Donald received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Mayville State University as he fondly referred to as “Harvard of the North” and a Masters Degree from the University of North Dakota. He taught for two years in Cass Lake, MN before being hired by the Moorhead Public Schools in 1951. He was an Assistant Principal of the High School for nine years then a Jr. High Principal until his retirement in 1986.
Donald was united in marriage on August 11, 1956 to Alice Eleanor Nelson at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Doyon, ND. The couple raised four children and made their home in Moorhead. Donald was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church since 1957, was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He volunteered with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, was active in the Retired Teachers Association and continued substitute teaching after retirement. He welcomed the role of Grandpa with great enthusiasm reading books and playing trucks and Legos for hours.
Donald is survived by his children Karen Lee Thoreson, Climax, MN, Julie Knowles, Chaska, MN, David Braniff, Minneapolis, MN, William Braniff, Minneapolis, MN; eight grandchildren, Bradley, Elizabeth Brock Larson, Connor Laura Thoreson, Andrew, Matthew and Eleanor Knowles, Dylan and Shannon Braniff; sisters-in-law Carole Braniff and Gail Greer, brother-in-law Roger Martinson.
Donald was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Alice, his parents, brothers, Harold Braniff, Dalton Braniff and Justin Braniff, sister, Evelyn Braniff Lund, an infant daughter and an infant son.
Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, or Mayville State University.
Visitation: Wednesday, March 30, 2016, from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.
Funeral: Thursday, March 31, 2016, at 11:00 A.M. in Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN.
Interment: Lakota Cemetery, Lakota, ND, at 3:15 P.M. on Thursday.