Doreen Brannian

Doreen Joan Brannian

January 25, 1930 – March 12, 2019

Age 89

Longtime resident of Bellevue, NE.  Doreen passed away March 12, 2019 at Cottonwood Place in Columbus, NE.  She was born January 25, 1930 in Hills, MN to Dr. John and Novella (Doran) Buck.  Growing up, Doreen’s passion was assisting her father in his veterinary practice in Sioux Falls, SD.  After graduating from Iowa State University, she began her teaching career in Glenrock, WY.  She married her college sweetheart, Richard Brannian, in 1952, in Glenrock, and soon after, Doreen traded her teaching career for a 20-year career as an Air Force wife.  Doreen’s fondest military memories were of the years she and Richard lived in Japan and Northern California.  After military retirement, Richard and Doreen moved their family back to the Midwest, eventually settling in Bellevue in 1977.  Doreen was known as a caring wife, mother, volunteer and friend.  A dedicated advocate for her son and others with intellectual disabilities, Doreen served in various roles and as a board member of Sarpy County ARC.  She particularly enjoyed planning ARC (Red Hots) dances and holiday parties for “the kids” and the friendships she made with their parents. Doreen was a talented pianist and crafter, and she loved the challenge of solving Sudoku puzzles, playing cards and, in her final years, enjoyed countless games of Bingo with her friends at Cottonwood.

Preceded in death by her husband, parents, step-mother, Marge Buck, father- and mother-in-law, Harold (Ben) and Edna Brannian, and brother-in-law, Ross Brannian. Survived by son, David Brannian of Omaha, daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Stephen Wadas, and grandson, Cooper Wadas of Columbus, and step-sister, Nita Mersman McCarthy of Hillsborough, CA.

Doreen’s family extends their most heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Cottonwood Place for the loving, compassionate care they gave Doreen these past four years.

Visitation Tuesday, March 19, 9:30-10:30 a.m., with the Funeral Service following at 10:30 a.m., both at Bellevue Memorial Chapel, 2202 Hancock St., Bellevue, NE, with Father Del Lape officiating.  Luncheon to follow at the Bellevue Firefighters Hall.

Interment Randolph Cemetery, Randolph, IA. 

Memorials to Red Hots of Sarpy County or donor’s choice.