Governor Terry Branstad’s father died this morning in Mason City. Edward Branstad was 89 years old.
Governor Branstad released a written statement this afternoon, saying his father taught him “the value of hard work” and instilled in him “the values that guide me each day.” The elder Branstad had cancer and the governor says “after a long, hard-fought battle” his father “is now at peace.”
A visitation will be held Sunday at Waldorf College in Forest City. The funeral will be held Monday morning in Waldorf’s Auditorium.
Edward Branstad and his wife, Rita, lived and farmed near Leland. The governor attended grade school in Leland, but graduated from Forest City High School. The governor’s mother died in 1990 of a heart attack. She was 64.
An obituary for Edward Branstad has been posted on the governor’s website.