David Keith Braga

David Keith Braga, 68, of Winterset died unexpectedly on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, following a medical emergency.

Dave was born in a snowstorm in Iowa Falls on Nov. 19, 1957, to Marlyn and Marcella (Rowe) Braga. He graduated from Iowa Falls High School in 1976, then attended Ellsworth Community College. He met Sara Blomberg walking beans one summer, which ultimately cemented their future together. Dave married Sara on Aug. 8, 1981, at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls; they later had three children, Christa, Matthew, and Michael. Dave graduated from Ellsworth Community College in 1978, and later graduated from Iowa State University in 1983 with a Bachelor’s in journalism and mass communications – a passion that spanned a lifetime. While living in Iowa Falls, he began his career in communications at the Iowa Falls Times-Citizen, then worked at KIFG radio station. During his time at Iowa State, he began reporting the news for WHO Radio. After graduating, he worked at the state capitol reporting on the Iowa Legislature for WGN radio. Dave then shifted his focus to Winterset, working as the managing editor at the Winterset Madisonian. In 1991, Dave and his family moved to Winterset, where they put down roots. He also spent many years working in the sports department at the Des Moines Register, later returning to the Madisonian, where he retired in 2021. A lifelong learner, Dave sought to share his viewpoint with the world, taking photographs and writing news stories about the community he loved. When he wasn’t behind the lens or in a newsroom, he was experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes, spending time in his garden with hostas and adenium trees, learning about astronomy, or curating his vast collections. He had a unique sense of humor, and loved a good play on words. Dave’s family meant the world to him.

He was a dedicated member of the First Christian Church, where he served in many capacities through the years, from chairman of the board to breakfast short order cook - creating casseroles and breakfast burritos for the monthly breakfast. He had been a past member of the Master Gardeners, the Winterset Rotary Club, Winterset Community Band, and championed various tourism projects in Madison County.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Marlyn and Marcella Braga; and his grandparents, Raymond and Valerie Rowe and Stanley and Mildred Braga.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sara Braga of Winterset; his children, Christa Braga of DeWitt, Matthew (Heidi) Braga of Ankeny, and Michael (Rachel) Braga of Davenport; his grandchildren, Sage and Iris, Leah and Sophie; bonus grandchildren, Griffin and Hugo; his sisters, Michelle, Laurel, and Lyn; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a host of friends.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel. The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, at First Christian Church in Winterset. A luncheon will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the family for a future designation.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.