Willard "Bill" Alvin Branch, 96, of Davenport, passed away Friday, December 25, 2020 at Country Manor, Davenport where he and Donna resided. A private graveside service will be held April 17th, at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Lowden, IA..

Bill was born on February 21, 1924 in Stanhope, IA, the son of Attie and Anna (Hanson) Branch. He married Donna M. Ruchotzke on June 8, 1952 in Lowden, IA. He earned his undergraduate degree from Iowa State University. He later attended Stout State College and graduated with a Master's Degree in Vocational Education. Bill was a proud U.S. Veteran serving in the Army Air Corps during WWII. He served the 8th Airforce in the 401st Bombardment Group where he was a bombardier and completed 29 missions. He was a teacher in four respective communities: Coggon, IA; Colesburg, IA; DeWitt, IA; and Davenport Central High School along with teaching in various agricultural, vocational and educational settings within the communities he lived. Bill was also faithfully dedicated to a life of service and membership within the Lutheran Church predominantly Holy Cross Lutheran Church where he served as Elder, Trustee, Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher for many years.

Bill is survived by his wife of 68 years - Donna; daughters and Son-in-Laws: Jennifer Gilchrist of Davenport; Susan Klatt of Tulsa, OK; Jill and Wally Lechtenberg of Bettendorf, IA; Mary and Paul Pett, of Green Bay, WI; Grandchildren: Tom (Amber) Henry; Steve Gilchrist, Ed (Carrie) Gilchrist, Josh Gilchrist, Nicole Gilchrist; Emilie (Greg) Meyer, Andy (Charli) Lewis, Nathan (Katie) Lewis, Maggie Lewis; Ryan Pett, Wesley Pett, Abbie (Chris Charles) Pett and great grandchildren Liam, Addison, Emma, Destiny, Addison, Ember, Cristalynn, Kylie, Grant, Kali, Ella, Avery, Ruthie, Branch, Asher, Effie, Ruby and William. As well as a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son - Michael Branch; all of his siblings Nelson, Pauline, Jean, Ruth, and Inez; son-in-law Richard "Dick" Klatt along with all of his beloved sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws.

On behalf of our entire family, thank you to the staff of Country Manor and Compassus Hospice for making Bill's last days peaceful during the COVID Pandemic.