Donald Brandt

Donald Roy Brandt, 99, died on Nov. 7, 2023, at Blue Valley Lutheran Nursing Home in Hebron, Nebraska.

Don, the son of William Christian Brandt and Maggie Fern (Petersen) Brandt, was born on Aug. 25, 1924, near Nora, Nebraska. He remained in Nuckolls County to farm and raise his family.

He was baptized at Bethany Lutheran Church, rural Ruskin, Nebraska, and confirmed at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Ruskin. His confirmation verse was John 8:31-32. He attended country school through the 8th grade and then got his start farming as a hired man for one dollar a day.

During WWII, he joined the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Bunker Hill, helping bring home troops from the Pacific after the war ended. He was a lifetime member of the Ruskin American Legion Post 242.

On March 16, 1947, he was married to Gertrude Charlotte Hinz at St. Mark Lutheran by Pastor Walter Moose. They lived and worked on several farms near Ruskin until they bought the current family farm in 1960 near Nora.

Don's passion for farming and raising livestock was a testament to his remarkable character. He worked hard and had a deep connection to the earth. His hands, though weathered, were always gentle, embodying the love and care he poured into every plant and harvest, leaving a legacy of resilience and devotion to the land.

His happiest moments were being with people. He was a tender and warm-hearted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend. He was easy to be around and made everyone he was with feel welcomed.

He enjoyed talking over a cup of coffee, walking in the fields near his home, playing assorted card games, watching Gunsmoke and fishing in his pond or the Little Blue River. Every year he enjoyed hosting pheasant hunters from North Carolina in his home.

His fun and rambunctious side came out with his grandchildren, who he showered with affection and attention, teasing and tickling them, taking them on tractor rides and spoiling them with ice cream.

Don and Gertrude were married for 68 years, and they were blessed with six children: Barbara, Darrell, Leslie, Marilyn, Cheryl and Roberta.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Maggie; his wife, Gertrude; his beloved daughter, Marilyn Louise; brothers, Larry Dale and Lester; and his sister, Fern Schoof.

He is survived by three daughters and two sons and spouses: Barbara Debrick of Littleton, Colorado, Darrell (Nancy) Brandt of Superior, Nebraska, Leslie (Joetta) Brandt of Ruskin, Nebraska, Cheryl Hoops of Freeport, Illinois and Roberta Brandt of Aurora, Nebraska; 16 grandchildren, 23 great- grandchildren and one great-great- grandson; sister, Marietta Free; sisters-in-law, Verna Brandt, Shirley Hinz and Juretta Hinz; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

His funeral was held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, Nov. 14, from the St. Mark Lutheran Church in Ruskin, Nebraska with the Rev. Jose Flores officiating.

Congregational hymns: (The Naval Hymn) "Eternal Father, Strong To Save," "Amazing Grace" and "I Know That My Redeemer Lives," with Kathy Kniep as the organist.

Casket bearers were grandsons Lee Brandt, Eric Brandt, Nathan Brandt, Benjamin Debrick, Nicholas Debrick Brandon Hoops and Tyler Hoops. Honorary casket bearers were granddaughters Maggie Bottom, Christy Debrick, Jessica Lindsey, Stephanie Alvarez, Shelly Urkoski, Shari Newton, Valerie Meyer, Lindsey Hoops and Tiffani Hoops.

Interment with military honors by Ruskin American Legion Post 242 were in the Spring Creek Cemetery at Ruskin.

Memorials are suggested to go to Blue Valley Nursing Home, Spring Creek Cemetery or St. Mark Lutheran Church.

Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 or in care of http://www.pricefuneral homes.com.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior was in charge of the arrangements.