Fred Branz – Metz Mortuary

Frederick D. Branz, age 88 of Gresham, NE died Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at his home. He was born January 13, 1932 at Gresham to Ernest and Pearle (Olson) Branz in the same room where he died. On March 17, 1956 he was married to Patricia Doty at Shelby, NE. Fred and Pat were married for 64 years.

​An Army veteran from 1953 – 1955, Fred served his country in Germany during the Korean Police Action. He was a member and past Commander of the Gresham Legion Post for approximately 50 years. He was an active member of the Gresham Presbyterian Church serving as an Elder. A member of the Masonic Lodge, Serositis Shrine, Order of the Eastern Star, Gresham CO-OP Board of Directors, Gresham Baseball Committee and Gresham Public School Board. Former Governor Ralph G. Brooks honored Fred as a member of the Great Navy State of Nebraska. A 5th generation farmer, he received the Nebraska Pioneer Farm Family award in 1984. He enjoyed all sports including Husker football. An avid traveler, he enjoyed long trips on his motorcycle.

He is survived by his wife Patricia of Gresham, daughter Cynthia (Karl) Dunivent of Kansas City, MO and his son Douglas D. (Ann) Branz of York. His grandchildren include Eric (Angie) Dunivent of Cottage Grove, MN, Clay (April) Dunivent of Kansas City, MO, Darrel (Krista) Branz of York, Betsy (Brandon) Hanna of LaVista, NE and Tyler (Nichole) Branz of Winterset, IA.  His great grandchildren include Fiona, Emmit, Clayton, Reese, Wyatt, Kolby, Ava, Quin, Calvin and Bryant. Also surviving is his sister Clara LaVon Whiting of Sanoma, CA and sister-in-law Sue (Cliff) Powers of York. Nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Darrell.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 3, 2020 at the Gresham Presbyterian Church with the Reverend John Nellessen officiating. Burial will be in Gresham’s Cedar Lawn Cemetery with Military Honors. Fred’s service will be lived streamed on Metz Mortuary’s Facebook Page. Visitation will be from 1:00-8:00 p.m., Saturday at the mortuary. Memorials may be directed to the Gresham American Legion, Gresham Presbyterian Church or to the American Cancer Society.  COVID 19 Funeral Guidelines will be implemented with limited spaced seating (75% occupancy), 6 feet of separation between household units and masks required. 
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