*Gordon Keith Branes, 92, of Rochester, Minn., died peacefully May 16, 2014, embraced by his loving family at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. He was born in St. Paul, Minn. on Feb. 2, 1922, to Alfred and Clara Knutson Branes. Gordon grew up in St. Paul and graduated from Harding High School in 1941. Gordon was a machinist mate in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1942 through 1945. He served in the Pacific Theater on surface and submarine craft. Gordon attended St. Olaf College from 1946 through 1947, and graduated from Macalester College with a bachelor of arts degree in 1950. Gordon married Dorothy Louise Rieckman, of Morris, Minn., in June 1948 and together they raised three children. He shared his life with her for 51 years, until her death in March 1999. Gordon graduated from Mayo School of Physical Therapy in 1952, and served in several capacities at Mayo Clinic for 35 years. He was the beloved director of the Physical Therapy Program at Mayo Clinic from 1964 until his retirement in 1985. He achieved the academic appointment level of Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at the Mayo Clinic School of Health Related Sciences.

Gordon married Kathleen Susan Reinsvold of Rochester in August 2003. Together they enjoyed spending time with their friends and families at their lake cabin in Cumberland, Wis., and later at their “Cabin in the Sky” condominium in Lake City.

Gordon was a people-oriented person, who volunteered and directed in a variety of philanthropic groups most of his life. He was a firm believer in education, and mentored youth in activities such as little league baseball and Indian Guides. He served on the boards of directors of the Rochester YMCA, Samaritan Bethany Nursing Home and Foundation, Salvation Army, and the Valhalla Management Association. He also served in a variety of positions at Our Savior’s, where he and his family were longtime members. Gordon was honored for his work in the Rochester Rotary Club by being named to a Paul Harris Fellowship Service Award.

Gordon is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Clara; his wife, Dorothy Rieckman Branes ’49; a sister, Doris; and two brothers, Alfred and Harold. Gordon is survived by his wife, Kathleen; two sons, Roger and Dr. Gerald Branes; a daughter, Dr. Laurel Branes; two stepchildren; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandchild.