Kathryn Ann Brandon, 89, died on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at Bethany Lutheran Home in Council Bluffs. She was born on March 29, 1936, in Red Oak, to Isadore “Jack” and Lucile (Lampe) Swanson. She attended and graduated from Elliot Consolidated Schools and took classes on Leadership and Home Economics through Iowa State University. Kathy was united in marriage to William Brandon on Oct. 21, 1956, and they were blessed with two children, Debra and Steven. The couple settled in the Logan area and enjoyed 35 years together before Bill’s death on Sept. 3, 1992. Kathy served faithfully as a Communications Operator for Harrison County for 21 years and spent 25 years as a Home Interiors Consultant. She was also the proud owner and operator of This N That craft store as well as the Sears Catalog Store for many years. These varied occupations allowed her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for creativity to thrive.
Kathy was a stalwart volunteer in numerous clubs and organizations. Her leadership roles included holding all offices in the PEO organization, as well as serving as Vice-President and President of the Hospital Auxiliary. She was actively involved in the Tuesday Club, Garden Club and the First Presbyterian Women’s group, where she also took on the role of Treasurer. Her faith was an integral part of her life, evident through her service as an Elder, Deacon, Financial Secretary and Sunday school and Bible Study leader at the First Presbyterian Church in Missouri Valley. Kathy was a champion for youth development. She was a dedicated 4-H leader for eight years and contributed as a Harrison County Extension Youth Leader for five years. Kathy also served as the Harrison County Fair Board Secretary for ten years and worked as a tour guide for 27 years. Kathy’s impact on all these organizations was notable, and she leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership and community involvement that touched the lives of many.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William Brandon; son, Steven Brandon; granddaughter, Marie Stegemann; and sister, Marilyn and her husband Gordan Riecken. She is survived by her daughter, Debra and her husband Rex Gochenour of Missouri Valley; daughter-in-law, Carol Brandon of Logan; grandchildren, Craig Gochenour and his wife Tiffany, Jennifer and her husband Shawn Kelly and Thomas Brandon; four great-granddaughters, Sophia Gochenour, Kathryn “Katy”, Addalyn and Allyanna Kelly; brother, Leroy Swanson and his wife Mary of Alabama; sister, Dorothy and her husband Ben Leazenby of Texas; brothers-in-law, Gale Brandon and his wife Opal and Jack Cordell and his wife Theresa; and many other relatives and friends.
A memorial service was held on Oct. 21, 2025, at United Methodist Church in Missouri Valley, Iowa. Pastor Jason Gutzmer presided over the service and family members shared memories. The recorded musical selections were “Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill and “Amazing Grace” by Elvis Presley. The honorary pallbearers were Craig Gochenour, Tommy Brandon, Shawn Kelly, Jerry Peters, Jason Reiff and Roger Wrich. Kathy’s final resting place is at the Ridgewood Cemetery.
Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
