Kathryn Brandon

Kathryn Ann Brandon was born on March 29, 1936, in Red Oak, Iowa 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 October 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 September 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 4H 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 died on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Bethany Lutheran Home in Council Bluffs, Iowa at the age of 89 years, six months and 17 days.

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, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Carol Brandon of Logan, Iowa; 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 and Opal Brandon and Jack and Theresa Cordell; and many other relatives and friends.