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Harry Clifford Branson, 89, passed away August 16, 2009, at the home of his eldest son, Roger Branson of Hudson, Wisconsin.

Cliff, as he was known, was born September 4, 1920 in Meadowlands, Minnesota. He graduated from Meadowlands High School and attended college in Duluth, MN. Cliff married Esther Jeanette Wain of Floodwood, Minnesota August 13, 1940. In September 1943 Cliff entered the army and was stationed in California and New York. In 1946 Cliff joined Steve Reylek in co-ownership of the Lindstrom Hardware. During the following 28 years he was an active volunteer, serving on the fire department and village council. He also served as Lindstrom's mayor. Cliff always took an active role and helped make Lindstrom a great town to raise a family. Cliff looked forward to his annual fishing trip with many good friends from the Lindstrom area. These annual fishing trips to Canada were notorious for big fish and bigger stories. Cliff enjoyed his roles as fishing guide and camp cook. Everyone enjoyed his walleye fish fries and mulligan stew.

His father, Harry Harrison Branson and mother Ida Francis Branson precede him in death. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Esther Branson, of Hudson, Wisconsin; children, Roger Branson of Hudson, Scott Branson of Bigfork, Montana and Bonnie Branson of Ruidoso, New Mexico.

Cliff was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He will be honored by his family in a private memorial.

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