Marcella Branigan 09/14/2025

Marcella “Marse” Branigan was born January 22, 1931, in Pierce County to Raymond and Marie Meyer. A graduate of River Falls High School in 1948, she lived her entire life in River Falls, WI. On September 13, 1952, she married Edmund (Bud) Branigan at St. Bridget’s Church.

Early in her career, Marse was a secretary at State Farm insurance company in the Twin Cities until she left that job to raise five children. Later, she worked alongside her husband at Bud’s Lanes bowling alley, where, among other duties, she made her infamous Tom & Jerry batter.

Marse was never one to hold back and was frequently referred to as a “spitfire” or “one of a kind.” She lived with unapologetic honesty and a boldness that left its mark, especially in the comment sections of Facebook posts. Once she got her iPad, there was no stopping her: Snapchatting the kids, posting unfiltered comments, and saying whatever came to mind, offensive or not.

She was an athlete with a competitive streak, whether it was golfing “on the hill,” bowling at the alley, a game of wiffle ball at a family cabin, or even a walker race in her later years, Marse enjoyed the competition. If you ever played cards with her, you understand!
Marse enjoyed a good cup of coffee with friends and rarely turned down a game of cards, especially Bridge (see previous paragraph). Marse also enjoyed time with family. She was frequently found attending events, cheering on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; or gathered around a table enjoying some Kwik Trip chicken or Steve’s Pizza.

Her home was always open, a place where family, friends, and anyone in need would be welcome. Many have fond memories of spending time at Marse’s pool, being fed way too much food, sitting on the davenport, and always being able to find an Oreo or Hershey’s chocolate nugget in the kitchen.

Marse’s sharp wit and big heart will be deeply missed, but her family finds pleasure in that she is now reunited with her husband, Bud. And, if anything in Heaven is “enough to gag a maggot,” as she liked to say, she’ll let them know!

Marse is survived by her five children: Cindy (Gene) McKahan, David (Lori) Branigan, Daniel (Joanie) Branigan, Douglas (Joanie) Branigan, and Teresa LeFever and surrogate daughter Geradette Wagner; 12 grandchildren: Amanda (Eric) Guler, Adam (Karen) McKahan, Kristi (Tim) Weigel, Matthew (Jordan) Branigan, Ashley (Zach) Gorman, Logan Branigan, Ryan Branigan, Molly Branigan, Ty Branigan, Cassie LeFever, Jordan LeFever, and Lexi LeFever; and 11 great-grandchildren: Maddie, Rachael, Timmy, Megan, Mia, Siler, Brynn, Tess, Bryson, Calvin, and Carson.

Marse is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Marie Meyer, her brother DeWayne Meyer, and her husband Edmund Branigan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue in honor of Marse’s love of dogs and a firm belief that everyone should have a pet.

A Celebration of Marse’s Life will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 12 to 3 pm with a prayer service at 2:45 pm at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services, 805 E Division Street, River Falls, WI. Interment will be in St. Bridget Catholic Cemetery in River Falls. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.