William Ernest Brandt, 81, of Coon Rapids, IA, was welcomed into heaven Thursday, July 21, 2022 at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids, IA with his family by his side.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Annunciation Catholic Church in Coon Rapids with Fr. Patrick Behm as Celebrant. Music for the Mass will be by the Annunciation Choir with Kathy Halbur as organist. Lectors for the Mass will be Alicia Olsen, Keith Olsen, and Aylin Dolan. Gift bearers will be Marissa Wiskus and Catherine – Marie Mullin. Casket bearers will be Brandon McKibben, Schuyler McKibben, and Krisnna Lakkaraju. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery near Walnut, IA.
Visitation will be held at Annunciation Catholic Church from 12:45 – 1:45 P.M. on Saturday prior to the Mass.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Coon Rapids and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com
William “Bill” Brandt was born September 26, 1940 on a farm in Silver Township, Cherokee County, IA. The second child to Nels and Vera (Rasche) Brandt. He has one brother, Ray and twin sisters, Linda and Lorna. He enjoyed life on the farm until the family moved to town after his father’s death in 1954. His love for farm life continued with him until his death.
A natural leader, Bill achieved the rank of Eagle Scout by age 16. Bill graduated from Holstein High School in 1958 where he was class president, was a proud member of Coach Kraai’s football team, and got into many shenanigans. He attended Iowa State for a short period, then returned to Holstein to work for Van Top Industries. He later attended Northwest Missouri State College where he received his bachelors in education, was a member of the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, served a summer as an assistant to the Dean of Men, and met his future wife. Bill later earned his Masters in School Administration from NWMSU and a Specialist Degree in Education through Mankato State University.
On May 25, 1963, Bill married the love of his life, Janice Ann Murphy, at St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Walnut, IA. They enjoyed 59 years of marriage and were blessed with four daughters: Karen, Cammy, Susan, and Mary. Bill was a good provider who offered a home not only to his own family but also to 11 foster children and 3 foreign exchange students. During their married life Bill and Janice lived in at least 20 different homes in three states. Bill spent his life educating, enriching, and enlightening students and others he had the pleasure of meeting.
Bill dedicated his professional life to education, serving 14 school districts as a teacher, principal, or superintendent. Bill’s dedication to his community continued outside of his professional duties, participating in many community service organizations like Kiwanis, Lions Club, and Knights of Columbus. After retirement, he took great pride in his work at St. Gregory’s Retreat Center greeting new guests, providing wisdom, and assisting guests in earning their GED. Bill also spent time as a volunteer for the American Red Cross as a disaster site coordinator and VISTA volunteer working on economic development for Coon Rapids Iowa Great Places. He was known and respected by many over his lifetime in his roles as pioneer in the computer field, teacher, coach, principal, superintendent, business partner, civic developer, church leader, and helpful neighbor. He loved to think big, calculate numbers and enjoyed taking on a challenge – especially if he believed it would benefit those around him.
Bill’s absolute pride and joy was his family. He was very proud of his Swedish and German heritage, and looked forward to the family gathering each year for a traditional lutefisk dinner. Nothing would bring a smile to his face more than holding a newborn grandchild or great grandchild. He truly enjoyed family reunions where he was able to spend time with his extended family that meant so much to him. Bill was blessed with 10 wonderful grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
He was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, grandparents, brother-in-law Lowell Bowden, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear friends.
His survivors include his loving wife, Janice; four daughters, Karen (Roger) Brandt-McKibben, Cammy Brandt, Susan Brandt and Mary (Joseph) Dolan; 10 grandchildren, Brandon, Alicia, Megan, Catherine-Marie, Schuyler, Amber, Marissa, Krishna, Nella and Aylin; 5 great-grandchildren; his brother, Ray (Marlene) Brandt, his sisters, Lorna Brandt and Linda (Lowell) Bowden; his aunts Melva Urban and Fern Erhlich, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other relatives and friends here on earth to celebrate his life. He will be missed greatly by those who loved him and by the communities he worked to grow and enrich.
