A public visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Courtland. Due to seating limitations, a private service will be held at a later time. Burial will take place in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in rural Courtland.

The funeral service will be live-streamed through the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home’s Facebook page starting at 2 p.m. on Wednesday.

To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Don is survived by his wife, Judy Brandes of rural New Ulm; his children, Lonnie (Glennda) Brandes of New Ulm, Lanae (Rob) Walker of Savage, Lisa (Patrick) Bissen of Albertville, Leslie (Jennifer) Brandes of New Ulm; his grandchildren, Cassandra, Christopher and Tyler Brandes, Tori and Quinn Walker, Courtney, Amanda and Jacob Bissen, Noah and Mason Wilmes, Jackson and Emmalynn Brandes; his sisters-in-law, Joyce Brandes and Jo Ann Brandes; brothers-in-law, Lee Krienke and Larry Fehlman; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sandra Krienke; brothers Merlin in infancy, Gerald and Dean Brandes.

Donald Leonhard Brandes was born Dec. 8, 1939, in New Ulm to Leonhard and Ruth (Starke) Brandes. He attended grade school at Immanuel Lutheran and later went to work on the family farm. On Aug. 6, 1965, Don was united in marriage to Judy Marie Fehlman at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm. This union blessed the couple with four children whom they raised on their farm in rural New Ulm. Don worked his entire life as a dedicated dairy farmer. He also hauled canned milk for the Courtland Creamery in the early 60’s. Besides his work on the farm, Don and Judy enjoyed traveling when they could, which wasn’t very often since they had a dairy farm to run. Great memories were made traveling to Germany, Hawaii, and Alaska. Other favorite trips were with the Wendinger Brothers and Leon Olson Band. Don and Judy always enjoyed listening to, and dancing to, old time music and were often found on Sundays dancing at ballrooms across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. This formed many long-lasting friendships over the years.

Don was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Courtland where he served as an Elder and was an active member of the Men’s Club. He was also a past board member of the Searles-Courtland Cattle Association. Don always enjoyed reading farm magazines and attending local farm shows. Most recently, he was reading the bible from cover to cover, and was nearly finished. Don took tremendous pride in his faith, his family, and his farm. His favorite place on earth was in the seat of a tractor; it was like “going up north” for him. His pride and joy were his children, grandchildren and his church family. This year, Don and Judy were able to celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary. Don was also able to celebrate his 81st birthday via a drive-by parade, which included over 50 cars and tractors that were filled with many family and friends. These memories, and countless others will be forever remembered by his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be missed by many, but his memory will forever stay in their hearts. Blessed be those memories.

Don’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Pastor Bernau, their neighbors, friends, especially the Moldan Family, the staff of New Ulm Medical Center’s Oncology Department, as well as the Hospice Staff for their loving devoted care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Immanuel Lutheran Church or to Allina Hospice.

Mvfh.org

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