Arvin Branden

Arvin M. Branden, 81, of Audubon, MN, died Thursday, November 13, 2008, at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, ND. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Monday, November 17 at First Lutheran Church in Audubon, Reverend David Beety, officiating. Interment will be in First Lutheran Cemetery, Audubon with Military Rites provided by Audubon American Legion Post #339. Friends may call 4:30 – 7:30 PM Sunday, November 16 at the David-Donehower Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes and at the church one hour prior to the service on Monday.

Arvin M. Branden was born to Henry and Viola Branden on January 11, 1927, in New Rockford, ND. He attended a rural country school and later attended Audubon Public School. Arvin served in the U.S. Army. He started his service in November 28, 1951, and was stationed at RAF Fairford, England. He was honorably discharged November 4, 1953. Arvin was united in marriage with Marlene Y. Schroeder in Audubon, MN, on July 25, 1954. They made their home in various locations throughout North Dakota, as Arvin worked on highway construction. They settled in Audubon, MN, along with their five children, in the mid-1960s. There he established and operated Branden Trucking. Arvin also served as a Becker County Deputy Sheriff in the early-1970s. He retired from his business in 1991.

Arvin is a lifelong member of the First Lutheran Church of Audubon. He was also a long-time member of the local chapter of the American Legion Post 339. He enjoyed family outings, fishing, camping, barbequing, gardening and visiting.

Arvin is survived by his wife, Marlene of Audubon; his five children, Morris (Marjorie) of  Romeoville, Il, Daniel of Vergas, MN Richard (Linda) of  Detroit Lakes, MN, Yvonne Branden of Point of Rocks, MD, DeLane (Diane) who is currently stationed in RAF Mildenhall, England; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Donna Nicholson of Highland, CA, Venoie Hemmelgarn of Audubon, MN; a brother, Norman (Barbara) Branden of Audubon, MN. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Clara, Darlene; and two brothers, Vern and Dallas.