Peter Vernon Branca, age 75, of Duluth, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2026, at Benedictine Westwood Terrace.

Peter was a man of many talents and wide-ranging interests. Throughout his life, he worked as an insurance adjuster, an automotive restoration specialist, and a certified LPN nurse. He also spent much of his time managing property investments.

He loved the outdoors and stayed active in every season. Peter was a skier and a longtime member of the Spirit Mountain Ski Patrol. He was also an avid fisherman who loved taking his family on annual camping trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA).

Above all, Peter was an amazing father and grandfather. He dedicated most of his time to caring for his children and grandchildren, and his family was always his main priority.

Peter is survived by his loving significant other of 24 years, Jennifer Jackson; his children, Thomas Polling, Ami (Steve) Thomas, and Andrew Branca; and his grandchildren, Colton, Stella, Ella, Piper, and Lily. He is also survived by his siblings, James (Donna) Branca, Susan Thye, and Patricia Peltz, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Albert James Branca; his mother, Blanche Nelson; his brother, John Branca; and his brother-in-law, David Thye.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Benedictine Westwood Terrace and Essentia Health Hospice for their care. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Duluth Bible Church (201 W. St. Andrews Street, Duluth, MN 55803) with Visitation at 12 p.m., Service at 1 p.m. and celebration with refreshments, snacks and ice cream social to follow.