Louise Bransby

Louise Bransby was born on November 24, 1918 in Mt. Union, Iowa, a rural town in south-east Iowa. She passed away on Monday, June 25, 2012 in Atlanta. Her father , Henry Fricke, a prominent farmer and her mother, Goldie were active in the civil and social life of the community. Louise was well acquainted with farming operations in Canaan Township, which boasts of having the richest soil in the world. A student in the Mt. Union School System, Louise was selected as the Valedictorian of her 1936 senior class. Her continuing education was at Parsons College, Fairfield, IA where again, she excelled, having a straight "A" record. She was very active in student activities including drama, music and her sorority. She also served as editor of the college newspaper. She caught the eyes of fellow student, Joe Bransby, a senior and Parson's wrestling coach. Joe was trying to help a young, bashful freshman get a date for a school party and thought Louise Fricke was just the ticket. The more he thought about her the more she appealed to Joe. So, to the surprise of Louise and the freshman, he went with them on the date, and continued going with her, leading to an engagement ring and a late summer wedding in 1939. Joe was employed by the St. Paul, Minnesota YMCA as a physical director. Thus began a professional relationship with the YMCA that included jobs in Davenport, Iowa, Long Beach, California and Atlanta, Georgia, where Louise and Joe retired in 1980. Louise gave great support to Joe's career, giving leadership of her own to the Y's Menettes and other YMCA organizations. Four children were born during their places of employment: Kit, Judy, Janis and Michael. From this union were added 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. With Joe in the Army during World War II, Louise returned to the farm to help her mother with it's operation following her father's death in 1944. Louise was a woman of sterling character and had a wit that enlivened many social gatherings. A life well lived. Survivors include her husband of nearly 73 years, Joe Bransby; children, Kit Bransby, Judi Unwin, Janis Belardinelli and Mike Bransby; 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. A local memorial service / celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 29, 2012 at 1:00 PM in the chapel of Decatur Presbyterian Church. Local arrangements are being handled by A. S. Turner & Sons, Decatur. Final funeral and burial arrangements are being handled by Murphy Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Those desiring may send carnations, her favorite flower, to either Decatur Presbyterian Church or the funeral home in Iowa.


Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033