Erwin Branahl

Erwin Fred Branahl, 92, went to be with the Lord on October 29th, 2014. Erwin passed away peacefully in his home. He was surrounded by loving family, both those physically present and others in spirit. For seventy years, Erwin was a devoted and loving husband to Adeline, and had taken great joy in celebrating her 93rd birthday the week before his death. Beloved father of two children, Sandy (Peter Van Arsdale) Cooper and Dr. Jim (Kathi) Branahl; loving and generous Opa to seven grandchildren: Aaron (Tricia) Branahl, Jordan (Daniel) Cooper-Beaudoin, Jared (Amy) Branahl, Benjamin Cooper, Dr. Seth Branahl, Nathan Branahl, Julia Branahl; wonderful Opa to six great grandchildren: Hadley, Brett, Benaiah, Leander, Emerson and Malachi; beloved uncle of Judith Sweeney, Joan James, Jan Hungerford, and many more great nieces and nephews. He was a friend and inspiration to many. Born on March 8th, 1922, Erwin was raised in North St. Louis and attended Zion Lutheran Church Grade School. He was baptized, confirmed, married and will be buried from Zion Lutheran Church. Erwin attended Central High in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated as Valedictorian. He was awarded a full honor scholarship to Washington University in St. Louis and graduated first in his class in 1943 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and went on to earn his Master's Degree in Applied Mechanics, also from Washington University. On April 15, 1944, Erwin and Adeline were married at Zion Lutheran Church. After his commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy, they spent the first year of their marriage in Brunswick, Maine. Upon his discharge as a Lieutenant JG and their return to St. Louis, Erwin was hired at McDonnell Aircraft Company. Throughout his distinguished career, Erwin was promoted, first to Vice President and then to General Manager of the Astronautics Company-Saint Louis. Erwin was involved in designing and developing advanced space exploration technology, including the Gemini and Mercury spacecraft. Erwin retired from McDonnell Douglas in 1987. While Erwin's impressive career was of great significance to him, his values and priorities rested firmly within his strong Lutheran faith; this flowed outward in his loving devotion to his wife, children and family. Erwin was an active member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, president of his congregation, both a leader and humble servant. When he and Adeline married, their chosen wedding text was Joshua 24:15: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. It was upon this foundation that they built their marriage and family, and Erwin never lost sight of what mattered most: his God, his wife and his loved ones. He knew how much he had been given, how blessed he was. Unsurprisingly, Erwin was honored often for his accomplishments and achievements. Some of the more notable ones received are the Christus Vivit Award from Concordia Seminary and the Alumni Achievement Award from Washington University. Erwin sat on various boards and committees in the Lutheran Church and in his community. In his retirement, Erwin spent much time traveling with Adeline and their family. Erwin relished the time with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. These cherished and special memories are imprinted upon all our hearts. Erwin touched countless lives, near and far, and his memory and legacy will live on. We will surely miss him but find great comfort and hope in knowing he is home with his Savior. The family will receive visitors at Hutchens Mortuary on Sunday, November 2nd from 5-8 p.m. 675 Graham Road, Florissant, MO 63031. Funeral services will be at Zion Lutheran Church at 10:30 a.m on Monday, November 3rd. 2500 N. 21st Street St. Louis, MO 63106. A burial will follow at New Bethlehem Cemetary 9650 Bellfontaine Road St. Louis, MO 63137. In lieu of flowers, Adeline and the family ask that donations be made in Erwin's honor to Zion Lutheran Church 2500 N. 21st Street St. Louis, Missouri 63106 or Smile Train P.O Box 96231 Washington D.C. 20090. https://secure.smiletrain.org/site/SPageNavigator/donate_now.html

Erwin Branahl

March 8, 1922 - October 29, 2014