Donald Leroy Brannian, son of Ross and Elsie Louise Elliott Brannian, was born December 1, 1930, in Lincoln Township of rural Brooklyn, Iowa. He died on December 21, 2025, at Brooklyn Community Estate in Brooklyn after a long and productive life.

Don was a lifelong resident of Poweshiek County. He grew up on several area farms in the post-depression era. He attended Brooklyn rural schools through the 8th grade and graduated in the class of 1948 from Brooklyn High School. He participated in basketball, football, FFA, plus holding several class offices.

Don served in the Army during the Korean Conflict 1952-1953. His occupations included farmer, insurance and real estate sales mainly with Brannian – Niemann Insurance, and auctioneer. He retired in 1992.

In the community, he served on the East Poweshiek County Ambulance, Municipal Board, Housing Board, Region 6 Housing Board, Community Fund, Brooklyn Historical Society, Korean War Veteran Association. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church 70+ years, American Legion Francis Gallanger Post #294 72 years and served on the Honor Guard.

His many interests included history, especially of Brooklyn, current events, Knoxville car races, traveling, watching college and professional sports on TV. He enjoyed conversing with many friends and was a source of historical events for many happenings over the years in the Brooklyn community and beyond.

He frequently stated that Brooklyn had been good to him over the years.

Don was married to Darlene Walter on April 6. 1956 which later ended in divorce. He was blessed to share a long-time friendship with Ruth Manatt until her passing in 1999 and a special friendship with Kay Ostrom until her passing in 2019.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Keith (Gloria) Brannian and Kenneth (Esther) Brannian, niece Terry Brannian, special friends Ruth Manatt and Kay Ostrom, and many friends.

He is survived by nieces and nephews Jeanne (Rusty) Clayton, Rochelle Brannian, Kim Bauman, Allen (Mary) Brannian, Sam Brannian, and Kurt (Angela) Brannian.

Don was a man of many stories, and we will miss him and this wonderful source of information.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, January 19, 2026, at The Michael J. Manatt community center in Brooklyn, IA. A visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the memorial service, at 10:00 am at the Michael J. Manatt community center.

A luncheon will be held following the memorial service at The Michael J. Manatt community center.

Private graveside services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of floral tributes, memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous, PALS, American Legion Post 294, or any charity of your choice.