Lawrence Henry "Larry" Branz's Obituary
Lawrence Henry “Larry” Branz
It is with great sadness the family of Larry Branz announces his passing on June 27, 2018, at the age of 88 years. A veteran of the Korean War, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in Japan as an air traffic controller.
Born October 20, 1929 in East St. Louis to the late John and Louise Branz, he was retired from a sales career at Hunter Packing Company.
For many years he was an active member in the parish of St. Philip Catholic Church in East St. Louis. He was active in both the School Athletic Association as both a member and enjoyed being a baseball and basketball coach.
After moving to Millstadt he was an active member of St James Catholic Church for 46 years and took on many roles including School Board and the Athletic Association President.
As an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan, Larry started in 1966, the longest running St. Louis Cardinal’s
promotion known as “Hunter Night”.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Rosemary and her parents Raymond and Dorothy Sullivan; grandson James ‘Jimbo’ Jenkins; brother John Branz and sister Rose Branz.
He married Rosemary Sullivan on June 22, 1957 in East St. Louis. She preceded him in death on December 1, 1976.
He married Mary Ann Mushill on August 11, 1978 in Granite City and she survives.
Larry is survived by his eight children; Babs Branz and special friend Mark McCauley, (Mike Muskopf)
Larry and Beth (Purdy), Dotty (Jim) Jenkins, Ray and Paula (Byrd), Jim and Sandra (Long),
LouAnn (Bert) Branz-Schaefer, Jack and Susie (Hardie) and Mary Kay (Pete) Crank
Mary Ann’s children: Karen (Rod) Hartzel, Pete (Connie) Mushill, Paul (Beth Ann) Mushill,
Kathy Weber, the late Patrick (Kay) Mushill, Kim (Craig) Stephens
38 grandchildren; Rosemary (AJ) Mathis, Mickey Muskopf, Jack Muskopf, Jeanette Muskopf,
Tyler Branz, Nathan Branz, Kelsey Branz, Jackie (Travis) Jones, Katie (Dave) Neely, Josh (Emily) Jenkins, Andy (Erica) Branz, Adam (Lauren) Branz, Alex (Angela) Branz, Matthew Branz, Megan Branz, Molly Branz, Mark Branz, Sophia Branz, Greta Branz, Sara Branz, Blake Branz, Olivia Branz,
Josh Crank, Hannah Crank, Emma Crank and Bella Crank; Bari Baum, Kasey (Kevin) Carrol, Beth (Ben) Bozicevic, Kelly Mushill, Riley Mushill, Mallory Mushill, Mary (Eric) Weber, Lauren (Eric) Pielert, Adrianne Weber, Kyle Mushill, Madison Mushill, Andy (Melissa) Stephens and Sally Stephens and 14 great grandchildren Sister; Mary Lou (Don) Mueth; Sister-in-law; Helen Branz and many beloved relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Monday, July 2nd from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Millstadt, IL Mass to follow with burial at St. James Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. James Catholic School Fund.
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