Bruce Ira Brandt

1934-2023

 

      Bruce Ira Brandt, 88 of Keokuk, IA died Sunday, January 1, 2023 at Bickford Assisted Living in Burlington, IA with family at his bedside.

     He was born September 12, 1934 in Burlington, IA the son of Ira and Doris Southerland Brandt.  Bruce graduated from West Burlington High School as President of the Senior Class and later graduated from Burlington Community College.

     He married Helen K Harlan and they had four children, two of which died at birth.  They later divorced.  On September 24, 1966 Bruce was united in marriage to Gretchen Cathryn Thiem, who survives, and together they had two children.  Other survivors include the children Kimberly K Boyd (husband, Jim) of Keokuk, Kirk I Brandt (wife, Monica Pandele) of Oakland, CA, Katherine M Sulentic (husband, Joseph) of Cosgrove, IA, and Karl T Brandt (wife, Tammy) of Cedar Rapids, IA; twelve grandchildren Emily, Courtney, Megan, Max, Margareta, Fredericka, Augustus, Carrera, Kolby, Taylor, Kaden and Trinity plus spouses; and nine great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his cousins Jareen Brueckner, Irene Brandt, Judy Amenell, Carol Brandt, Pat Davis and his many close friends and fishing buddies.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, two children at birth, cousins and several very dear friends.

     Bruce began his career at Hubinger (later Roquette) in Keokuk in 1955.  He first worked in Engineering Services and then was a maintenance superintendent until he retired (the first time) in 1979.  He then went to work for ADM/Ogilvie Mills in Keokuk until 1992 when he returned to Roquette America.  There he stayed until his “second” retirement in 1997.  For the next twelve years, Bruce continued working part-time for Roquette until fishing won out as his permanent role.  Bruce had been on the Board of Trustees for the Keokuk Municipal Waterworks for 28 years until 2016.  He was most proud and honored to have been involved with the construction of the current state-of-the-art facility.

     Bruce was an active member of the United Presbyterian Church since 1954.  He had served as a Deacon, Elder, Committee Chair, taught Sunday School and was a member of the new building committee.  He was also a 50+ year member of the Masonic Lodge and a member of the Keokuk Jaycees.  Bruce was a Boy Scout leader and twice took scouts to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

     Bruce was athletic and competitive and enjoyed playing hockey and tennis in addition to playing basketball in high school and college.  He took an interest in building and flying model planes over the years as well.  But most of all Bruce loved fishing, fishing and more fishing.  He often joked he was born with a fishing pole in his hand.  Bruce taught multiple kids and adults alike the art of fly fishing and earned the name “Guido” honestly.  Bruce was a giving, caring soul and was in his element as long as he was helping or teaching someone. Twice a year, for over twenty years Bruce headed for Canada with his fishing buddies and looked forward to every trip as memories were made.

     A funeral service will be held at 12 noon, Monday, January 9th at the United Presbyterian Church in Keokuk with Pastor Diane Ludington officiating.  Burial will be in the Oakland Cemetery.  Visitation will be held prior to the service Monday from 11 am - 12 noon at the church with family meeting friends at that time.

     Memorials may be made to the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice.  The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to this organization as well for their kindness.  

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com