Ethel Brandt

Monday, August 10, 2015 1:59 pm

Ethel Brandt, 86, of Decorah, died Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minn. Funeral services are at 2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 13, at Presbyterian Church in Frankville, with Rev. Gary Catterson. Organist is Darlene Winkie. Hymns are “Softly and Tenderly,” “ How Great Thou Art” and “Rock of Ages.” Arrangements are being handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, Decorah. Interment is at Frankville Cemetery in Frankville.

Ethel Bernadine (Westby) Brandt was born Jan. 1, 1929, the daughter of Carl and Rachel (Nash) Westby in Allamakee County. Ethel was baptized and confirmed at the Glenwood Lutheran Church. She graduated from Decorah High School in 1947. For a short time, Ethel taught at two rural one-room schools. One was located in Frankville township and the other in Glenwood township. Ethel married Wesley Brandt Aug. 26, 1948, at the Glenwood Lutheran Church. Together, they farmed for many years west of Frankville. Wesley died Sept. 13, 1976. In 1983, Ethel moved to Decorah. Ethel volunteered for many area organizations including the Depot Outlet, Wellington Place Auxiliary and also volunteered as an ESL teacher. She was very active in the Frankville Church, holding several offices. Ethel excelled at being a “home-maker,” always making her family feel loved, safe and secure. She enjoyed bowling, traveling, making lefse, collecting music boxes, all varieties of puzzles and watching professional golf and the Hawkeyes. You didn’t interrupt her when Family Feud or The Voice came on TV.  She especially enjoyed time spent with family and friends. She was known by many to have a kind and giving spirit. Her sweet smile and positive attitude were examples to us all. A recent highlight was seeing so many family and friends at her 85th birthday celebration. 

Ethel is survived by her children: Loren (Janine) Brandt, Postville; JoAnn (Kurt) Uhlenhake, Ossian; and Janice (Michael) Koenig, Castalia; one daughter-in-law, Paula Brandt, Iowa City; six grandchildren: Luther (Mindy) Koenig, Postville; Marcee (Mitchell) Markussen, Whitefish Bay, Wis.; Andy (Michelle) Gray, Ankeny; Ben Gray, Newport Beach, Calif.; Emily (Barry) Hare, Richmond, Va.; and Sarah Brandt, Postville; three great-grandchildren: Ben and Nelson Koenig and Hudson Gray; three sisters: Eunice (Robert) Denk, Decorah; Audrey (Dale) Barth, Decorah; and Barbara (William) Radke, Wabasha, Minn.;  two brothers, Gordon (Peggy) Westby, Canyon Lake, Calif.; and Lyle (Jackie) Westby, Waukon; two sisters-in-law, Arlene Westby, Decorah; and LaVonne Brandt, Postville; and many nieces and nephews. 

Ethel was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Rachel (Nash) Westby; her husband, Wesley Brandt; her son, Lowell Brandt; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Walter and Hazel Brandt; three brothers: Kenneth Westby, Arden Westby and Roger Westby; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Ruth Westby, Jerri Westby, Jack Schissel, Wayne (Frances) Brandt; and Beverly (Roland) Peck.
Casket bearers are Ethel’s grandchildren and spouses.