Roger Branes was born on October 4th, 1949, in St. Paul, MN, to Gordon and Dorothy Branes. He was called to his heavenly home on June 21st, 2025.

Roger always spoke fondly of his growing up in Rochester, MN with his Mom Dorothy, Dad Gordy, Brother Jerry and Sister Laurie doing what he loved: hunting, fishing, playing baseball, scouts and water skiing. Roger spent hours playing basketball in the family driveway, and baseball in the neighboring double open lot with the neighborhood boys.

While in college he spent a lot of his weekends in the outdoors, God would step in and guide Roger into following in his Dad’s footsteps changing career directions from High School Science teacher to Physical Therapist. Studying Physical Therapy, he graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1975. He started his career at St. Joe’s Hospital in St. Paul, MN where he spent a lot of his off time playing softball, broomball and enjoying hunting and fishing. He met what would become the love of his life at a Christmas party in 1977 and was soon making weekly trips from Dubuque, IA to St. Paul spending as much time as he could with her and her son. Roger and Sharon would get married on December 29th, 1979.

Roger always described his life long-dream of having a country hobby farm for his family with horses, hunting, fishing, and farming. He began living that dream with Sharon and their oldest son, Jesse, when they bought their first home and hobby farm in Centuria, WI in 1981. Soon after, Roger and Sharon welcomed their sons, Keith (1982) and Mike (1983). Roger's passion for family, hunting and serving his community just continue to align. With his wife Sharon by his side, they started The Physical Therapy Center in St. Croix falls, WI in 1986. A few years later they expanded added their Luck, WI office. They continued to work side by side through 2015, when they retired. However, Roger’s passion for helping people saw him continuing to see patients at the PT Center in St. Croix until 2023. In retirement, Roger's long-time passion for music really took off from listener to active artist, becoming an active member in his first band called "50/50" then becoming "Act ll", along with becoming a member of the worship team at Prairieview Covenant Church. He was especially fond of playing his favorite songs, like Amazing Grace, on guitar, bass guitar, cello, and harmonica. You can hear Roger at Church, supporting a rendition of Amazing Grace here.

Rogers's passion for the outdoors and hunting continued to be a core pillar in his life, making trips to the Rocky Mountains to go Elk Hunting with friends and his brother Jerry. Roger and Sharon also established an annual fall hunting tradition at their home, which affectionally became known as "Hunt Camp North". A place of fellowship and serenity. Early mornings and late evenings to share in outdoor adventure and life stories. Heated with a double barrel wood stove that created a comfort so many, family and friends, enjoyed over the years. A wall of memorial was built that represents many of the times and people of celebration.

Roger's presence on earth will be sorely missed by everyone, including his nuggets of wisdom, and dedication to family and friends, but we know he has rejoined his loved ones in Heaven.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Dorothy Branes, his brother Jerry Branes, and his father and mother-in-law, Adeline and Edmond Teicher.

Roger is survived by his Wife, Sharon Branes, of the family home in Centuria, WI; Jesse (Louise) Branes of Harmony, NC; Keith (Jen) Branes of Holmen, WI; Mike (Heidi Waltermire) Branes Portland, OR; grandchildren, Avery, Alyssa, Hailey, Brayden, Zoey, Ashyr and Skylen Branes; step-grandchild: Kyle Smith; He is also survived by his sister, Laurel (Mary Huff) Branes of Wallingford, PA; sister-in-law Julie Branes of Lamar, CO; nephews Christopher Branes of Lamar, CO, Luke Branes-Huff of Wallingford, PA and nieces; Jessica (Scott) McTaggart of Northglenn, CO; Emily Branes-Huff of Wallingford, PA, and many, many other family, friends, hunting, and Church friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Rowe Funeral Home (206 E 2nd Ave, Luck WI 54853).

Last Update: Jun 25, 2025 7:08 am CDT