Mildred C. Branca – Rochester

Mildred C. Branca, 93, of Rochester, MN, died Monday, September 8, 2025.

Millie was born on December 7, 1931, in Clara City, MN to Peter J. and Gertrude Thein.  She grew up in Clara City and went on to earn her teaching degree from the St. Cloud Teachers College.  It was at St. Cloud TC that she met her husband, Louis F. Branca.  On August 17, 1953, they married.

Millie had many exceptional attributes, and best known among them were as a loving, caregiving and selfless woman.  She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed gifting many handmade items.  She supported Lou throughout his high school coaching career, and they enjoyed many days at their lake cabin.   They were an inseparable couple who complimented each other beautifully.

Millie was also a community volunteer for over 30 years.  She was regularly found volunteering at St. Pius X Church, Meals On Wheels, the Rochester hospitals and the Sisters of St. Francis-Assisi community.

In her remaining years, Millie dealt with dementia.  Through it all, she remained cheerful, pleasant and always shone her vibrant blue eyes.  Her endurance and demeanor were truly inspirational. For these reasons, she remained a favorite of the excellent caregivers at the Benedictine Living Community – Madonna Towers.  The family thanks those caregivers for taking such good care of her!

Millie was preceded in death by her husband of over 69 years, Lou, and her parents.  She is survived by daughter Mary Branca Rosenow (Jim), sons Bill (Pat), Denny (Emilie) and Steve (Linda).  She dearly loved her grandchildren: Joe (Amber), Tom (Autumn), Ellie (Steven), Julianne (Mario), Kristina, Olivia, Elena, Ali and Anna; and great-grandsons: Blake, Bradley, Westin, Luke and Francis.

Private services are being held for the immediate family.   Memorials can be sent to either the Benedictine Living Community, the Sisters of St. Francis-Assisi or your favorite charity.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com