Dennis Branstetter

Dennis Branstetter passed away peacefully on May 8, 2022 surrounded by his family. He had a long and active life spanning both sides of the state of Washington. He retired from the Statesman Examiner as Advertising Manager in 2012 after working for the paper for eight years. He and his wife Judi were very involved in the community of Colville during the 15 years they lived in Rice. After retirement they returned to the West side of the state to be near their children and grandchildren.

Dennis was born in Tennessee in 1945 while his father was in the Army during World War II. His family eventually settled in San Diego, California where he graduated from San Diego State University and met his future wife, Judi. They both started their careers in California, but eventually moved to Bellevue, Washington where they raised their three sons. Dennis started his career with Bank of America, working with some of the first big mainframe computers. During that time he volunteered with the YMCA parent child program, Indian guides (now Adventure Guides). Over a five year span he served in many capacities, eventually becoming head of the state, and the National program. He continued to work with computers, but changed careers to work for Boeing for the next 10 years. While his sons were in high school he volunteered as a statistician and photographer for school sports. In 1998 he moved with his wife Judi to Rice Washington, settling on a little 60 acre “farm” where they raised sheep, goats, and a lot of vegetables and flowers. In 2004 Dennis started working for the Statesman Examiner in the Advertising department, and taking photos for the paper. His most dangerous assignment was getting in the ring at a local rodeo and taking action photos of the bull riding. During this time his wife Judi worked as a dental hygienist at Advanced Family Dentistry (now Inspire Family Dentistry on 5th and Main.)

After his retirement in 2012 Dennis and Judi moved back to the Western side of the state. He became very active in the Parkinson’s community participating in their dance, singing, boxing, cycling and yoga programs. He and Judi also volunteered at Parkinson conventions and fundraising walks. Dennis will be remembered for his enthusiasm for youth activities, his active volunteer life, and his love of family. He will be missed by his many friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Northwest Parkinson Foundation nwpf.org which serves both sides of the state, Idaho, Montana and Alaska