Charles Branstetter (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Charles Robert Branstetter 74 died on July 16, 2018 at his home in Bolivar, Mo. He was born on November 9,1943 in Wallace Idaho to the late Osa (Tester) and Harry Branstetter. He was a member of the Bolivar Church of Christ. He married Wilma (Wallen) Branstetter on March 31, 1972. They were husband and wife and best friends until his death. Wilma will miss having someone she could talk to about anything and everything and she will miss the hugs the most.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister and a brother, Steven. His is survived by his wife of 46 years, Wilma, a sister Wilma (and Mark) Bagwell, a brother Jim (and Brenda) and several beloved nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a faithful protector his dog
Stormie. Charlie also has many cousins that he loved like siblings and enjoyed traveling to visit them as often as possible.
Charlie (as he was known to his wife and friends) joined the US Navy right out of high school and served on a Submarine the USS Tang for two years. He had many occupations including working in the mines in northern Idaho, maintenance mechanic, boat builder, and retired as a CNC machinist in 2003. His hobbies included flying his airplane, sailing, camping, building his own boats (he built three, two sail boats and one trawler), traveling with his fifth wheeler. One summer he took his trawler up the inside passage from Seattle to Alaska and spent the summer exploring the cities along the Alaska coast. Another summer he pulled his fifth wheeler to
Alaska and worked in a fish camp all summer. At one time he had a wood working shop where he enjoyed showing his love for family members by making article of furniture for them. Charlie was soft hearted and would sometimes even tear up at a sad TV show or even a nostalgic commercial. He would look at Wilma and say, "don't you laugh at me".
He had so many adventures in his life and he pursued life to the fullest while he was able. Toward the end he often expressed his thankfulness for a relationship with God that assured him of his heavenly home and expressed a deep concern for anyone who was facing what he was facing without that same peace.
Burial for Charles is being held privately by the family.
What’s your fondest memory of Charles?
What’s a lesson you learned from Charles?
Share a story where Charles' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Charles you’ll never forget.
How did Charles make you smile?