Roger Hugo Brannstrom, age 85, of Rapid River, MI, passed away Friday, November 26, 2021, surrounded by his loving family, at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba, MI. Roger was born January 2, 1936 in Escanaba, MI, the son of Hugo and Esther (Johnson) Brannstrom. He graduated from Rapid River High School in 1954 and married the former Mary Blowers on December 6, 1958 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River, MI.
Roger was employed by the United States Forest Service for 34 years. He started as a carpenter and then later became a heavy equipment operator. He was also employed at Anderson Lumber. Roger was a skilled craftsman and could fix or build anything. He was an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River, MI. Roger was a sports enthusiast especially for the Detroit Tigers, and enjoyed going to the Rapid River High School basketball games. He played dart ball at Calvary Lutheran Church and coached youth baseball for many years. He enjoyed volunteering his time wherever needed within the community.
Roger was proud of his Swedish ancestry, and was a member of the Swedish Club. He was also a founding member of the Rapid River Lions Club. He loved his close-knit community and never met a stranger.
Roger loved spending time with his family and watching the deer and all the abundant wildlife at his home.
Roger is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Brannstrom of Gladstone, MI; sons, Kevin (Kassy) Brannstrom of Collierville, TN, Keith (Cindy) Brannstrom of Rapid River, MI, and Kenny (Kathy) Brannstrom of Portage, MI; grandchildren, Austin and Sydney Brannstrom of Collierville, TN, Corey (Cabell) Wendrick of Glen Allen, VA, Casey (Kendell) Wendrick of Rapid River, MI, Kaitlyn, James, and Erin Brannstrom of Portage, MI; 4 great-grandchildren; sisters, Lillian Bjurman of Escanaba, MI, and Alice (Jim) Johnson of Rapid River, MI; and many nieces and nephews.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents; and one great grandchild Cora Wendrick.
Private family funeral services will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River with Rev. Stephen Gauger officiating. Burial will take place in the Rapid River Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials please be directed to Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River, MI.
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