Service Information
Eugene “Gene” H. Brandt, age 76, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2019, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2019, at 11:00 A.M. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson with interment in Rosehill Cemetery in Wells, Minnesota.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 30, 2019, from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel and will continue one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
Obituary
Eugene “Gene” Harold Brandt was born on February 3, 1943, in Albert Lea, Minnesota. He was the son of Harold A. Brandt and Velma F. Callahan. Gene was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth both at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wells, Minnesota. He received his education in Minnesota Lake, Minnesota, and was a graduate of the Minnesota Lake High School Class of 1961. He furthered his education at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, for one year until he transferred to Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. During college Gene achieved a black belt in karate and taught self-defense to women. He also entertained and performed over 110 skydiving jumps in front of crowds, which helped him pay for college. Later on, Gene went back to school while working and achieved his Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and also a third Degree in Educational Administration at Mankato.
On August 20, 1966, Gene was united in marriage to Betty Pedersen at Peace Lutheran Church in Ruthton, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with three children, Kathleen, Ann, and Thomas. Gene and Betty resided and worked in several towns in Minnesota including, Gibbon, Ruthton, Alden, Canby, Grand Rapids, Henderson, Big Fork, Sleepy Eye, and in 2015, they made their home in Hutchinson. Gene and Betty shared 53 years of marriage together.
Gene started his teaching career as a chemistry, history, geography and physics teacher in Gibbon for 16 years. While in Gibbon he also coached football, ran the chess club, and helped found their first responder rescue squad with the Fire Department. He was then employed as a principal in Ruthton for 3 years and he helped found their first responder rescue squad too. Gene was the superintendent at Alden, then a curriculum coordinator in Canby. Next, Gene was a principal in Henderson until the school closed. He then was the principal in Big Fork until finally being the Director of Instruction in Sleepy Eye. He retired from Sleepy Eye at the age of 55.
Gene loved to joke around and was a great story teller. He enjoyed fishing, John Deere tractors, drinking coffee, and reading and writing. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends.
Gene passed away on Friday, August 23, 2019, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, at the age of 76 years. Blessed be his memory.
Gene is survived by his:
Wife, Betty Brandt of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Kathleen Brandt-Rucker and her special friend, Johann Sonnenberg, of Pine Island, MN,
Ann “Annie” Kosel and her husband, Kirk, of Hutchinson, MN,
Thomas Brandt and his wife, Rachel, of Nashville, TN;
Grandchildren, Grace Rucker, Matthew Rucker, Olivia Kosel, Addison Kosel, and Julia Kosel;
Mother, Velma Brandt of Hutchinson, MN;
Sisters, Nadine Dzick of Madison, WI,
Gloria Pearson and her husband, Trent, of New Ulm, MN;
Brother, Harlan Brandt and his wife, Karen, of Black River Falls, MN;
Brother-in-law, Harvey Pedersen and his wife, Marlene, of Lamberton, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
Gene is preceded in death by his Father, Harold Brandt; Father and Mother-in-law, Harry and Jennie Pedersen; and Brothers-in-law, James Pedersen and Donald Pedersen.
Ruthann Gaard says
Our families both moved to Alden, MN, in the late 70’s and late 80’s. Our daughters met in fourth grade and are still best friends. Gene and his family moved around Minnesota, most recently living near Ann and Kirk in Hutchinson. He was a man of many talents from writing to fishing to sharing the latest Ole and Lena joke. He is now at peace but entertaining at the highest level. Ruthann, Brian, Jaci, Karen, Kim and their families.
Nancy Giddings says
Betty, prayers and love to you and your family. May your feel God’s grip as God holds you during this time. Love,
Nancy
Nancy Dahl says
Sending a virtual hug to you during this difficult time. May the memories of days gone by bring you joy as you celebrate a great man!!!
Karen A Monsen says
Dear Betty, Greg, Glen, Sandy, and Galen –
We have so many lovely memories of Gene and times spent together as families. Our hearts are with you now as you send Gene to be with his Lord. We know that he will always be with you as your guardian angel and that we have the sure and certain hope of being together again in glory.
Much love from Karen (Brandt) Monsen & Family – Wayne, Jon, Jenny, Josie, Lisa, Jeff, and Anna
Barb Plath says
The walking group sends our sympathies. Hope you are up to walking again soon! We are at Hardee’s now?
The Baker/Dietrick Family says
Dear Betty,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. We hope your happy memories will help support you at this time of loss.
Lois Lewis says
Betty: So sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lori says
Gene always greeted me with a smile and a joke. I work with Ann so only knew Gene casually but he sure knew how to leave a friendly impression. Keep sharing your memories and stories Life is good
Hugs to each of you and please know we are thinking of you during this difficult time
Betty Jean Collins says
My sympathy to you, Betty, and your family. Eugene & I were classmates in Minnesota Lake.
Betty Jean Rueckert Collins
Betsy Lowe says
Betty, my sympathy to you and your family.
Betsy Lowe, Grand Rapids, MN
jim luoma says
Gene brought happiness to so many with his positive attitude and great sense of humor. I first met him in the interview for the Bigfork principles position. Upon the completion of the interview I asked him if he were hired what might he see as difficulties in the position. His answer “having lived as a flat lander all my life it would probably be driving to work everyday in the tunnel of trees called highway 38” his sense of humor was contagious. He will be missed by many. Blessings to you Betty and your family
Ben and Joyce Den Hartog says
Betty and family…
Sympathies to you.
Ben and I were in Alden just the other day passing through on our way to visit daughter in Rochester. We drove by your house and wondered about you and your family.
We have pleasant memories of you and your family those so many years ago!,,
Hugs to you all in the loss of Gene.
Ben and Joyce Den Hartog
Fulda,MN