LaVila Brannagan

LaVila Brannagan, 79, longtime Hall County resident, mother, grandmother, and Cinnamon Roll Lady, passed away August 4th, 2021, with her children by her side and rolling pin put away. LaVila Kay (Hammer) Brannagan was born in Campbell, Nebraska and grew up attending schools in Adams and Hall counties and graduated from St. Paul High School in 1959, and earned a diploma from the Grand Island School of Business in 1961. She married the late Darrel Brannagan in 1965, and they made their home in Doniphan, Nebraska for 42 years before relocating to Grand Island in 2007. They were blessed to share their lives together; 51 years of caring and loving each other, through good times and bad. LaVila is survived by three children: Rhonda Brannagan, of Grand Island; Rita (James) Kucera, of Lincoln; and Russell (Meg) Brannagan, of Firth, Nebraska. She is also survived by 6 beloved grandchildren; Madisen Kucera, Thaddeus Kucera, Caleb Brannagan, Luke Brannagan, Asher Brannagan, and Ellie Brannagan; as well as many sisters and brothers that journeyed beside her during this life: Sharon Wert, Janice (Dean) Sodomka, Nancy (Terry) Lemmert, Donna (Joel) Epley, Joan Brannagan, Rose Mary Brannagan, Mike Hammer, Roland (Sandy) Hammer, Doug (Diana) Hammer, Rich (Kristi) George, and Bill Paustian. She will also be remembered by some dear lifelong friends and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Darrel Brannagan, infant son Roger Brannagan, mother Evelyn (Martin) George, daddy Donald Hammer, sister Patricia Paustian, and brothers Gary Wert, Wayne Brannagan, and Larry Brannagan. LaVila’s primary vocation and passion was to be an excellent wife and mother, and later doting grandmother. She chose to be a stay-at-home Mom and focus first on that task. When she realized that she could give her family more by taking on part-time jobs she was more than willing to put her other skills to good use. Some of her early jobs were short-lived, like providing daycare to other moms she knew, and selling Avon door to door. Others were a good fit and became long careers within themselves. LaVila was church secretary at St. Ann’s Parish in Doniphan. She began a cinnamon roll-making business out of her home and she continued this for the rest of her life, because she loved baking but also because customers would not accept retirement from her. Once her kids were grown, she began a lengthy career working at Richmond Gordman’s in Grand Island. An unofficial career of LaVila’s was stretching a dollar. Whether making dresses for her daughters, or hunting for bargains at garage sales, she always appreciated a good deal. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 8th, 2021 from 5-7 pm at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, with Wake Service to follow. The funeral Mass will take place on Monday, August 9th, 2021 at 10:30 am at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, and Christian burial at Grand Island City Cemetery immediately following. Father Don Buhrman will be the celebrant. The family asks that memorials be made in support of St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Grand Island, or St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Doniphan, - or send flowers if you prefer, as LaVila loved to be surrounded by them. All Faiths Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

LaVila Brannagan

April 19, 1942 - August 4, 2021

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LaVila Brannagan

April 19, 1942 - August 4, 2021

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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