Blanche Marie Braun, age 90, of Durant, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2026, at MercyOne Genesis, Davenport. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, April 10, at Bentley Funeral Home, Durant. A visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m., prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Durant Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Durant Fire Fighters Inc. or Durant First Responders. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Blanche was born on Nov. 19, 1935, in Muscatine, the daughter of Lloyd and Violet (Schmelzer) McCullough. She graduated from Muscatine High School with the Class of 1953. Blanche’s love story began with a blind date - one that quickly turned into a lifelong commitment. After just six weeks of dating, Roger Braun proposed, and the couple was united in marriage on Oct. 31, 1954, in Muscatine. Together, they built a life centered on family and farming until Roger’s passing on March 13, 2013.
Early in her career, Blanche worked as a switchboard operator for the Muscatine Telephone Company. She soon transitioned to full-time life on the farm, where she worked side by side with Roger. Blanche took on the demanding tasks of farm life without hesitation - cleaning hog sheds, handling much of the milking, and contributing in countless ways. Even after selling the dairy herd and retiring in 1999, Blanche remained active, always ready to lend a hand around the farm.
Blanche was a proud member of the Muscatine County Cattlemen Association, where she was well known for her baking, especially her exceptional pies made the traditional way with lard. She also belonged to the Swiss Valley Gals, promoting dairy products and supporting the agricultural community. In her later years, Blanche worked at Senior Resources in Muscatine and enjoyed spending winters in Texas with Roger for several years. An avid reader, Blanche especially loved Harlequin novels. She always kept a book nearby — often tucked into unexpected places — and would read whenever she found a quiet moment. She will be remembered for her strength, warmth, and unwavering love for those closest to her.
Blanche will be remembered by her two sons, Brian Braun of Davenport and Wayne (Michelle) Braun of Durant; three grandchildren, Adrienne (Steve) Plowman, Oliver Braun and Rachel Carpenter; two great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Jameson Plowman; and a sister-in-law, Joyce Dunbar.
Blanche was preceded in death by her husband, Roger; and one sister, Neva Davis.
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