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Daniel Edward Branstetter passed away on Monday, February 6, 2017 in Tampa, Florida at the age of 74. Dan was born on February 5, 1943 in Woodbine, Iowa. Dan is survived by his wife Karen Branstetter of Tampa, Florida, his three children, Kristine Pike of San Diego, Kurt Branstetter (Laurel) of San Diego and Kim Johnson (Keith) of Birmingham, and their mother Patricia Branstetter (Coats), and his three stepsons, James Ratliff of Council Bluffs, Jeremy Ratliff of Springfield, Mo, and Jason Ratliff (Ta) of Socorro, NM. Dan has seven grandchildren: Chandler and Tucker Pike, Mason, Charlie and Lizzie Branstetter, Sam and Lilly Johnson. Dan’s surviving siblings are Dort Lefeber, Marietta Jacobs, Cecil Branstetter and Rick Branstetter. He was preceded in death by two sisters Donna Shafer and Betty McKee.

Dan was a beloved member of the Council Bluffs, Iowa Fire Department and began his career there in September 1965, was promoted to engineer in 1970, and to captain in 1978. In 1983, Dan made a switch to the Fire Prevention Bureau and became a fire inspector. In 1989, Dan attended the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy to become a peace officer and worked as an arson investigator. In 1995, Dan was promoted to Asst. Chief and Fire Marshall until he retired in 2003.

In 1999, Dan was married to Karen and they lived in Council Bluffs until 2004 when they moved to Tampa, Florida for retirement. “Retirement” in Tampa included a lot of golf and hanging with their dog, Max but Dan also worked as a Marshall at Tampa Bay Country Club and The Groves Golf Club.

Dan’s easygoing attitude towards life made him someone that everyone wanted to be around. He loved visiting his children in San Diego and Alabama, but mostly spending quality time with Karen and his seven grandchildren at the lake, on the golf course, watching their sporting events, or just relaxing at home. Dan was THE man and will certainly be missed by everyone, but especially those who loved him. Love ya most, B!

Two separate services will be held for Dan. The first will be held in Dade City, Florida at 10:00 AM on Friday Feb. 10th at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Dade City Florida. The second service will be held in Council Bluffs, Iowa at Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home at 11 AM on Saturday February 25th. 

Dan may be kindly remembered at icscremationandfunerals.org ond facebook.com/icscremationandfunerals


Thank you for visiting.  Please leave a tribute for family below: 

February 5
February 5
Happy 81st birthday, Dad. I still missing you each day and thinking how much you would be enjoying the Chiefs over the past few years. They are in the Super Bowl again vs. Niners this weekend in Vegas. I wish we could be there together drinking some Coors Light, playing cards, enjoying the game and talking about life. Iowa State has a solid basketball coach and another good team this year as well. Cyclone Football should also be pretty good this fall. Overall, your teams are making you proud. Love Ya Most and cheers to celebrating you again today,
Kurt  
February 6, 2023
February 6, 2023
Happy Birthday 80th birthday, Dad. I was thinking about you and missed you last weekend when I took Charlie to Arrowhead Stadium for the first time for the Chiefs/Bengals AFC Championship game. It was too COLD to tailgate! You were there with us in spirit. The Chiefs will try to win another Lombardi Trophy for you next weekend! Love Ya Most,
Kurt
February 5, 2022
February 5, 2022
Happy 79th birthday, Dad. I sure wish you could be here to watch the Cyclones game today. Hopefully, Fireman Dan will get a win for us in his next race in Kentucky. We still miss you and Love Ya Most, Dad!
February 5, 2020
February 5, 2020
Happy birthday, Dad. I still miss you each day. It was great to see the Chiefs bring home the Lombardi Trophy for you! We had a bunch of CL's to celebrate the day for you and your team.  Love Ya Most.

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Recent Tributes
February 5
February 5
Happy 81st birthday, Dad. I still missing you each day and thinking how much you would be enjoying the Chiefs over the past few years. They are in the Super Bowl again vs. Niners this weekend in Vegas. I wish we could be there together drinking some Coors Light, playing cards, enjoying the game and talking about life. Iowa State has a solid basketball coach and another good team this year as well. Cyclone Football should also be pretty good this fall. Overall, your teams are making you proud. Love Ya Most and cheers to celebrating you again today,
Kurt  
February 6, 2023
February 6, 2023
Happy Birthday 80th birthday, Dad. I was thinking about you and missed you last weekend when I took Charlie to Arrowhead Stadium for the first time for the Chiefs/Bengals AFC Championship game. It was too COLD to tailgate! You were there with us in spirit. The Chiefs will try to win another Lombardi Trophy for you next weekend! Love Ya Most,
Kurt
February 5, 2022
February 5, 2022
Happy 79th birthday, Dad. I sure wish you could be here to watch the Cyclones game today. Hopefully, Fireman Dan will get a win for us in his next race in Kentucky. We still miss you and Love Ya Most, Dad!
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