Brian Gulbranson

With profound sadness and endless love, we announce the passing of Brian Lee Gulbranson, age 70, after a year of battling cancer. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of his family on June 7, 2026.

Born to parents: Le Vern and Joan Gulbranson on July 6, 1955 in Virginia, MN. The family resided at Ely Lake, providing Brian with a fantastic place to grow up, and learn about the woods and lake life. He graduated from Macalester college in 1978 with degrees in geology, biology, and history, and went on to an amazing career as a geologist working for the MN Geological Survey then in later years as a consultant for Summit Envirosolutions. Per his colleagues, he was the best geologist they ever knew.

He married his high school sweetheart, Debra Wiirre, 0n September 1, 1979. Together they built a beautiful life and shared 46 years of marriage. Brian and Debra enjoyed many trips to the hunting shack enjoying the woods and sauna time. Many hours were spent playing competitive video games with his wife that provided them with laughter from gaming shenanigans.

Brian and his family were fortunate to take two rips to Italy. The first trip was for Erik and Rachel’s wedding in Tuscany after touring Lake Como and the Cinque Terre. The second trip was a special monthlong visit at Lake Como that involved relaxing by the lake, boat rides, visiting a castle, hiking to Fiumalatte, and taking in the Orrido di Bellano, followed by a return to the Cinque Terre for one week.

Brian will be remembered for his sense of humor, storytelling, his love of music, and his ability to make friends wherever he traveled. He had a passion as a sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing trips with his buddies and family. Hockey was another big part of his life as a player and a fan. He was a Vikings football fan who enjoyed watching the game while enjoying his daughter’s enthusiasm for the sport.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Debra, his children: Erik (Rachel Weigert) and Hilary, his grandchildren: Anders, Greta, Amelia, and Audrey, his sister: JoEllen (Brian Haines), and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Le Vern and Joan, his brother LeRoy, and his beloved golden retriever, Rufus.

A visitation will be held at the Green Mill Restaurant at 1000 Gramsie Rd in Shoreview, MN on June 23, 2026 from 6 – 8 pm with light refreshments.

The memorial service will be held 2 p.m. June 25, 2026 at Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home at 108 Broadway in Gilbert with Deacon Dan Schultz officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Gilbert Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life will be held the Gilbert VFW immediately following the burial.