Eldine "Dean" Ivan Branham

Eldine (Dean) Ivan Branham

Dean passed away at his home in Glade Park, CO on 12/27/25. He was born on his parents' Dairy Farm in Antigo, Wisconsin, on January 22, 1928, where he attended school and worked until age 17. He was an adventurer, strong and determined individual. He started pursuing flying small airplanes and acquired his pilot's license at the age of 16. Where he flew his family all over Wisconsin and beyond. He ventured to Alaska at the age of 18, he was a big game guide and a bush pilot dropping mail from his airplane to remote areas. He spent two winters tapping at Rainy Pass and on the lditarod Trail with his dog team. He moved from Wisconsin to Utah in 1957 for a short time and then back to Alaska in 1958. He moved his family to Unimak Island where he was the station manager for Reeve Aleutian Airways and later moved to Cold Bay. Returning to Utah in 1962, he was in the lumber, sawmill, cattle and racehorse business. He always cut firewood on the side and cut his own firewood until age 91. He traveled all over the west, with the horses, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Arizona, New Mexico, California, as well as New York, Massachusetts, Ohio and Vermont. He moved to Glade Park in 1977 where he worked as a swayer at a local sawmill, on ranches and was a big game guide for many years.

He is proceeded in death by his wife of 55 years Bessie Ann Kotarski. His parents Cecil Vernon Branham and Hazel Margaret Bores Branham. One brother, 3 sisters and two grandsons Clay and Jason Branham.

He is survived by his partner of 20 years Lori Drotar. Three amazing children and their spouses. Paul and Ronnie Branham, Belle and Tom Chesnick and Bud and Ellen Branham. 6 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren and a few great great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, January 3rd at 12:00 p.m.at the Glade Park Cemetery.