Jo Brannan

Carole Brannan, 89, of Marshalltown and more commonly known as “Jo” to all, passed away on the evening of March 11, 2024 at Unity Point Health Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.

Per her wishes, no formal services will be held at this time. Memorials in her name may be directed to the Green Mountain Fire Department. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Carole Joanne Keister was born November 8, 1934 in Brockway, Pennsylvania. She was the eldest of three children born to Kleo and Mary Kathryn (Reddinger) Keister. Jo grew up in Brockway and later graduated from Brockway High School in the Class of 1952.

After her graduation from high school, Jo moved to California and eventually met her husband and love of her life, Keith Hilary Brannan on March 7, 1953 in Reno, Nevada. Together, Jo and Keith lived in many places before settling in Marshalltown which ended up being her favorite. They raised two children, Robert and Laura. Jo was known by many if you called the Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center and spoke to the switchboard operator.

In her free time Jo adored her family most and loved being a grandma and a great-grandma. She also enjoyed cooking for her family, made arts and crafts projects including Christmas stockings for the whole family and was known by all to be hard working.

Left to remember and cherish her memory are her children, Bob Brannan of Marshalltown and Laura (Roger) Vajgrt of Marshalltown; her three grandchildren, Adam (Cami) Vajgrt, Noah (Kaylie) Vajgrt and Sarah (Chris) Steddom; her two great- grandchildren, Jackson Vajgrt and Stella Vajgrt; her brother, Dwight Keister of Ottawa, Canada.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Keith Brannan; her parents Kleo and Mary Kathryn Keister; and her brother, Larry Keister.