Charles Branton

Madison - Charles (Bob) Branton died peacefully at home on May 13, 2018. Bob was born March 24, 1925 in La Valle, WI. He graduated from Reedsburg HS in 1943 and UW-Madison with a BBA in 1950. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his service in the U.S. army in Europe during WWII. He met his future wife, Astrid Maasing while serving as a Military Policeman in Heidelberg, Germany. They were married August 9, 1947 in Merrimac, WI. Bob and Astrid lived in the Badger Ordinance housing near Baraboo while Bob attended and graduated from UW-Madison. Bob worked for the Wisconsin Dept of Revenue for 38 years. Initially, he worked out of the Green Bay office, and then relocated to the Madison office. His positions at the Dept of Revenue included: Field Auditor, Sales Tax Director, and Chief of Compliance Officer. He was one of the "engineers" of Wisconsin's first sales tax law which was enacted Feb 1, 1962. He retired in 1988, and continued to reside in Madison.

Bob was an avid reader and read the NY Times daily. He was an enthusiastic season ticket holder and fan of the Packers. Bob had fond memories of attending the famous Green Bay/Dallas Ice Bowl on Dec. 31, 1967. Bob enjoyed spending time with friends and family canoeing, fishing, playing cards, and golfing amongst other things. He and a group of friends enjoyed getting together for breakfast and lunch every week for many years while they solved the problems of the world. He along with his brother Don, grew Christmas trees at the family farm near La Valle for years.

He was preceded in death by Astrid, his wife of 63 years in 2011. Bob is survived by daughters Susan Bauer of Chicago, Jean Branton of Madison, and Mary (Bob) Sunde of Fort Worth; grandchildren Michelle, Christopher, David, Sam, Nicole, and John; 5 great-grandchildren; and his brother Don Branton of Delavan.

There will be a private burial for family. On Saturday, May 19th, there will be a Celebration of Life for friends and family (casual attire) from 5 to 7 pm in the Beacon Lounge at the Bonfyre American Grille, 2601 West Beltline Highway.

We would like to thank Jody Alexander for her years of loving care for Bob. We would also like to thank the caregivers of Interim Health Care, BrightStar Care, and Agrace Hospice for providing their excellent service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Midvale Lutheran Church or Agrace Hospice in Memory of Bob Branton.


Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434