Crystal “Cris” E. Branson

Obituary

Crystal “Cris” Edith Branson was born on April 25, 1934, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Marion Filkins. Crystal was baptized as an infant at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, and later confirmed in her faith as a youth on July 4, 1948, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart, Minnesota. She attended country school until 8th grade at District 31 in rural Stewart, Minnesota, before going to Stewart High School.

On December 24, 1971, Crystal was united in marriage to Hayden “Edd” Branson in Coulterville, California. This marriage was blessed with a blended family of six children. Crystal and Edd resided in Hutchinson, Minnesota. They wintered in Yuma, Arizona, and spent their summers in Howard Lake, Minnesota. Crystal and Edd shared 53 years of marriage.

Crystal was employed for many years in sales for the Dayton Company. She took a leave to join Edd in Germany during his Unisys employment. While in Germany, Crystal became a member of the International Women’s Club and volunteered for prison work with American soldiers who were imprisoned in the German penitentiaries for very serious crimes. She found it very rewarding to be able to bring some American contact and hope to these men. Crystal retired in 1987. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.

Crystal enjoyed RV traveling and fishing. Her favorite place to be was on the dock with her fishing pole. For many years, she enjoyed hosting family and friends at the Belle Lake cabin where so many memories were made. There was nothing better than one of Crystal’s fish fries. She was a gifted singer and musician. In her younger years, she was a soloist for the church and was self-taught on the guitar, banjo, and harmonica. Crystal spent many hours doing needle work until her sight prohibited it. Her beautiful work graces many of her family’s homes. She also loved feeding the birds; cardinals were her favorite. Many hours were spent in her flower garden. Crystal was known everywhere she went for her wonderful sense of humor and quick wit. Her talents were sought after to MC the annual talent show at their retirement park in Yuma and she was known throughout the park as “The Jokester”.

Crystal passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Hutchinson Health in Hutchinson, at the age of 91 years.

Blessed be her memory.

Crystal is survived by her:
Husband, Hayden Branson of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Bruce Remus of Hutchinson, MN,
Peggy Hewett and her significant other, Paul Hacker of Stewart, MN,
Shari Hughes and her husband, Tom of Indianapolis, IN,
Kathy Gorgie and her husband, Steve of Indianapolis, IN,
Jim Branson and his wife, Ann of Indianapolis, IN;
Grandchildren, Jimmy (Kylie) Schrader, Jessica (Dan) Ibrahim, Amber Remus (Significant Other, Don), Cori Hewett, Kylie Hewett, Adam (Marian) Gorgie, Karysa (Eric) Diaz, Jessica (Thomas) Roach, Sam Branson;
8 Great-grandchildren, Indie and Dansby Ibrahim, Braxton Hewett, William and Bradly Schrader, Selena and Violet Remus, Hayden, Connor and Remi Gorgie, Sophie and Declan Roach;
Siblings, James Kirchoff and his wife, Virginia of Hutchinson, MN,
Dorothy Reinke and her husband, Ken of Hutchinson, MN,
Harold Kirchoff and his wife, Judy of Crosby, MN,
Kathy Fabel and her husband, Gene of Hutchinson, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.

Crystal is preceded in death by her Mother, Marion Kirchoff; Step-father, Harold Kirchoff; Daughter, Cheryln Schrader.