Ronald Wayne Branstad

Ronald Wayne Branstad, 72, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage, Iowa, after a battle with liver cancer.

Ron was born June 18, 1952, in Austin, MN, to Kenneth and Vernita Branstad. He grew up in Dexter, MN and Blooming Prairie, MN with his 4 brothers. He graduated from Blooming Prairie High School and enlisted in the Marine Corps.

Later, he was married and had two daughters, Natalie and Paige. Ron began driving semi at an early age and created a near 50-year career out of it stating that he always loved to drive, travel, and see the country. Ron also enjoyed taking his daughters on the road with him, and when they weren’t with him, he sent them postcards from wherever his journeys took him.

Rob also owned a windshield repair company that took him and his family to Osage, IA in 1992. When he wasn’t on the road, Ron enjoyed spending his time playing slow pitch softball, golfing, playing cards, and cribbage with his friends and family. He was an avid bowler and BINGO player. He also adored his time with his grandchildren. Ron was an active member at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Osage where he also helped run the sound system.

He is survived by his daughters, Natalie (Derek) Jack of Grinnell, IA and Paige Branstad of Des Moines, IA; grandchildren, Thomas and Violet Jack; brothers, Robert Branstad and Marvin Branstad of Austin, MN, Dennis (Cindy) Branstad of Blooming Prairie, MN, and Arlin (Mona) Branstad of Wabasha, MN; nieces and nephews, Corinna Branstad, Mikayla Ingersoll, Trebor Branstad, Neil (Anita) Branstad, Sarah Branstad, Matt (Charity) Branstad, Katie (Josh) Nelson, Kristina (Tyler) Kase, Jenna (Moran) Cohen, Taylor Branstad, Emily (Ethan) Wright, and Amanda (Gus) Sawinski; as well as many beloved cousins and great-nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Vernita Branstad as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Ron’s family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the following:

-Mitchell County Regional Health Center

-Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center

-St. Croix Hospice

-University of Iowa Health Care and Clinics

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin. The visitation will take place from 10:00-12:00 p.m. prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Austin. Donations will be given to the University of Iowa Health Care and Clinics in Ron’s name. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.