Peter Arthur Braginton passed peacefully surrounded by his children. He was born in Davenport, Iowa, and grew up in Northern Iowa and attended Shattuck High School, where his weightlifting career started. He then attended Buena Vista College where he received his teaching degree.
Pete loved many things in his life: family, teaching, mountaineering, photography, weightlifting and anything to do with the Old West.
He taught school in Jackson and Moran, Wyo., and Bentonville and Berryville, Ark. He taught U.S. History. While in Wyoming, was fortunate enough to teach classes such as mountaineering and archery
Pete’s love of strength training began in the seventh grade when he discovered weightlifting. He competitively weight lifted throughout high school and into his freshman year of college. Later in life he sponsored a scholarship program for young weightlifters at Shattuck High School in Minnesota and was inducted into the Minnesota Olympic Weightlifting Hall of Fame in 2003.
His love of history, particularly the Old West was a source of great joy. He was a member of Single Action Shooting Society and traveled around the country reliving the Old West experience with fellow SASS members. His love of the Old West will live on through his collections and art that his grandchildren and children will cherish.
Pete spent his final years in the Eureka Springs, Ark., area where he participated in theater, drove a horse and carriage, frequented local cafés, owned a photography studio and enjoyed spending time with his faithful dog, Titan, and his beloved horse, Sundancer. Arkansas became his second home after the mountains of the west.
A true kindhearted adventurer in spirit, always welcoming an interesting story and a hearty chuckle, his jovial personality and shining blue eyes will be remembered by many.
Pete is survived by five children, Kimberly (Tom) Barnes, Michael (Rosie) Braginton, Traci (Alvin) Wilson, Alice (Brad) Knight and Peter (Jess) Braginton.
Pete was preceded in death by his wife and soulmate, Sheri Braginton, who remained forever in his heart, and his parents, Arthur and Alice Braginton.
We are very grateful to the Circle of Life staff and other caregivers who made dad comfortable, listened to his stories and kept him company through his final months. He was blessed to have you and we will be forever thankful. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made in Pete’s name to the Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, AR 72762
Mud Street Pete signing off.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com. © Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. 2019.