Marguerite M. Branham Miller

Marguerite M. (nee Nelson) Branham Miller passed away Wednesday Nov. 6, 2013 in Eau Claire, WI, at the age of 93. She was born Marguerite Marie Nelson on April 28, 1920, the daughter of Harold and Mabel (Holte) Nelson of Woodruff, WI. She married Ivan Branham on April 6, 1945 and they had 5 children. Ivan passed away in 1989 and she later married Roy H. Miller on July 6, 1991. Roy was a good friend and neighbor from her second home in DeLand, FL. They spent 9 happy years together until his death in 1999. Marguerite was always very active in her churches. She began playing church organ at the age of 16 and continued to play for almost 40 years, until wintering in Florida required her to stop. She was active in the prayer chains at all three of her churches, Calvary Lutheran in Minocqua, WI, Faith Lutheran in DeLand, FL, and St. John's Lutheran in Eau Claire, WI. She also directed a large children's choir at Calvary for many years and played in the handbell choir at Faith Lutheran. Mom had many hobbies over the years, including knitting, crocheting and other needlework; golf (a hole-in-one!); reading and Bible study; hospital volunteer; and fun gatherings with many friends. Marguerite was preceded in death by her husbands, Ivan and Roy; her parents; her sister, Merle Gongaware; brothers, Harold “Stub” Nelson and Lauritz “Bill” Nelson; and an infant son, Gary. She is survived by her children, Barry (Janice) Branham of St. Louis, Mo, Bonnie Branham of Eau Claire, WI, Carol (Ron) Porter of Toronto, ON, Canada, and Allan (Enid) Branham of Janesville, WI. She is further survived by 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; Ivan's great & great-great-grandchildren; and Roy's 3 children and their families. Memorial Service will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 16, 2013, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Minocqua, WI, with a gathering one hour prior to the service at the church. Pastor Maxine Gray and Pastor Mary Weinkauf will officiate. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Woodruff, WI. The family wishes to thank the staff at Dove South Nursing Home in Eau Claire and St. Joseph's Hospice of Chippewa Falls for their wonderful care of their Mother. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, 8632 U.S. 51, Minocqua, WI 54548 or St. John's Lutheran Church, 1804 Highland Avenue, Eau Claire, WI. Mom prayed continually for all of us while she was here with us, and we are sure she is still interceding for all of our prayers now that she is closer to the ear of God.

Marguerite M. Branham Miller

April 28, 1920 - November 6, 2013