01/06/2011
It is with the heaviest of hearts that the Braida family of Knoxville, Iowa announces the death of their beloved son and uncle, Father Ernest Braida.
Father Braida left this world peacefully among family and friends at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines on January 6, 2011, the Epiphany, with his mother holding his hand while the Litany of Saints was recited by his friend and fellow priest, Fr. E. William Kaska.
Father Braida was born in Williamson, Iowa on April 10, 1938, to Anne (Krpan) and Ernest Braida.
After graduation with the Class of 1956 from Knoxville High School, he attended St. Ambrose University in Davenport, followed by seminary at Mt. St. Bernard in Dubuque.
He was ordained as a priest of the Davenport Diocese in 1964 and served several parishes throughout his career, including Ft. Madison, Melcher-Dallas, Keokuk, Sigourney, and Newton. He retired in 2008 and moved back to his family home in Knoxville, where he remained active in St. Anthony Parish.
Father Braida enjoyed many hobbies and was involved in various ecumenical causes, including Our Sister Parish, which worked to import and market fair-trade coffee and fair-trade goods from Central America.
He was also active in local genealogical societies and made several trips to Italy to visit family and churches, resulting in a family tree dating back to the 16th Century.
Fr. Braida enjoyed cooking dinners for family and parishioners and especially enjoyed baking pies.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest P., and brother, Dominic J. Braida.
Father Braida is survived by his mother, Anne, nieces and nephews, Angela Caughey, Elizabeth Braida all of Knoxville, Anthony Braida of Des Moines, Mary Margaret Reynolds and Michael Braida both of Knoxville, as well as great-nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Monday, January 9, from 5–8 PM at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Knoxville, where the family will be present from 6-8 PM. A Vigil service will be held at 7:30 PM, followed by a Rosary. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony Church on Tuesday, January 10 at 10:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Catholic Charities or Our Sister Parish.
Bybee & Davis Funeral Home of Knoxville is handling arrangements and online condolences may be sent to BertrandFuneralHomes.com.
Father Ernest Eugene Braida Vigil Service & Rosary Monday, January 9, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. St. Anthony Catholic Church – Knoxville,
Iowa Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, January 10, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. St. Anthony Catholic Church – Knoxville, Iowa
Fr. Philip Ryan & Fr. Stephen P. Ebel, Celebrants. Mark Babcock, organist – Jared McCarty, cantor, Mary Burke, song leader – guitarist
Pallbearers: Tony Braida, Michael Braida, Ryan Caughey, Barry Reynolds, Tom Hardie, Jim Brees
Interment Graceland Knoxville, Iowa