Dalton C. Braniff

Dalton C. Braniff, 89 of Devils Lake formerly of Doyon, ND passed away on Sunday afternoon, February 15, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Center, Devils Lake in the loving care of his family. Funeral Services for Dalton will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake with Reverend Don Reynolds officiating. Burial and Military Honors will be held in the spring at the Lakota Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Tuesday, February 17th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and visitation on Wednesday will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Dalton Carlyle, son of William and Julia (Berg) Braniff was born on May 10, 1925 on the family farm, rural Doyon, ND. He grew up in Doyon and attended school there. He “hitch hiked” around the Midwest until called to serve his country. Dalton entered the United States Army on September 24, 1943 at served his country during World War II. He served with the 737th Anti-Aircraft Gun Battalion in the South Pacific and was responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Power Generator that operated the searchlights. He was honorably discharged on January 31, 1946 at Fort Lewis, Washington. He received several commendations including two bronze service stars. After discharge, Dalton returned to North Dakota and met his beloved Carol Billings at a dance. He swept her off her feet and they were united in marriage on January 31, 1948 at Lakota. The lived in Lakota until April of 1949 when Dalton accepted a position with the Credit Bureau and they moved to Devils Lake. On February 1, 1952, Dalton began a 36 year career with the Lake Region Clinic. First as the Credit Manager and Insurance Clerk then on April 1, 1974 he was appointed Administrator of the Lake Region Clinic P.C. He retired in 1988 and they continued to make Devils Lake their home. Dalton and Carol always had a passion for antiques and in retirement they operated “Antiques on Wheels”, buying and selling antiques in the US and Canada. They were frequent auction sale attendees and got to know many other antique enthusiasts throughout the years. Dalton enjoyed the old, the classics but not when it came to cars. He believed in having a dependable car at all times. However, he did have a favorite Mercury that he couldn’t part with. From the first time they met, Dalton and Carol graced the dance floors and that continued throughout the years. They never missed a dance at the Elks, KC’s and Stump Lake, anywhere there was a dance in the area, you would find them there. Dalton enjoyed membership in the Elks Lodge and the Town and Country Club for many years. He was a member of the Medical Group Management Association and had served as its president. Throughout his career, numbers were a very important part of his job and in later years he enjoyed the challenge of Sudoku. Dalton was a devoted, loving husband, father and grandfather. He proudly served his country, was a dedicated hard-working manager and was an asset to the community. He never stopped giving, providing and caring for his beloved family and dear friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Dalton is survived by his wife of 67 years, Carol; daughter Machille and her husband Larry Wilke, Bluffton, TX; son Brent Braniff, Minot, ND; grandchildren Dennis (Lettie) Wilke, Buchanan, TX and Jamie Kouba, Phoenix, AZ; great grandsons Colten and Conner Wilke; his twin brother Donald Braniff, Fargo, ND; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Justin and Harold Braniff and sister Evelyn Lund.