Obituary of Kathryn Brandt

Kathryn Jewell (Shafer) Brandt, the daughter of George and Bena (Stein) Shafer, was born in near Lake Park, IA on April 14, 1918. She lived her youth on a farm south of Lake Park, across the road from Silver Lake where much time was spent doing “fun” things. She graduated from Lake Park High School in 1936 and went on to attend what was known as the Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, IA, for two years. After she earned her teaching degree, Kathryn went on to teach in rural schools for five years. She was united in marriage to John (Bud) Brandt on December 13, 1942, at her parent’s home near Lake Park, IA. Following their marriage the couple resided at Fort Lewis, Washington until John’s discharge from the military. The couple then returned to Iowa where they farmed together. In 1954 Kathryn returned to her love of teaching young people, and also earned a Bachelors Degree as well. She taught school in Ashton, Melvin and Sheldon until retiring after 36 years in the profession. Following her retirement Kathryn continued to substitute teach and volunteered at various schools. Kathryn entered Prairie View Nursing Home on February 15, 2007 and passed away there on June 24, 2011 at the age of 93. Kathryn was a member of the St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Sanborn. She was a Methodist Lady who highly respected all phases of church activities. She greatly enjoyed helping in the Sanborn and Melvin United Methodist Churches. Kathryn was a member of the the teacher’s honorary sorority – Delta Kappa Gamma International for many years. She worked in various federated clubs, was a member of the National, State and Retired Teacher’s organizations. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters, Opal Rowe and Loretta Palmer, and two brothers, Forrest Shafer and Hadley Shafer. Survivors include her two children: Marvin Brandt and his wife, Bonnie, of Aurora, CO, and Linda Griffiths and her husband, Denis, of Atlanta, GA; her grandchildren: Kevin Brandt of Midland, TX, Chris Brandt of Aurora, CO, John Griffiths of Atlanta, GA, Jane Fisher of Atlanta, GA; two great grandchildren: Morgan and Montana Brandt of Aurora, CO; other relatives, friends and many past students. Celebrating the life of Kathryn Jewell Brandt Born ~ April 14, 1918 Died ~ June 24, 2011 Age ~ 93 years 2 months 10 days Funeral Service 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 30, 2011 St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church Sanborn, Iowa Clergy ~ Rev. Thomas A. Connors Organist ~ Fay Schall Pianist ~ Julie Stofferan Musical Selections “Softly and Tenderly Jesus Calling” P. 348 “Amazing Grace” P. 378 “How Great Thou Art” P. 77 Pallbearers Joe Watterson Jerry Watterson Jim Watterson Lee Schmidt Dan Graves Mark Wynja Honorary Pallbearers All former students Flower Attendants Kathy Wolters ~ Mary Gibbons Ushers Gaylen Rosken ~ Rod Rath Interment Baker Township Cemetery Melvin, Iowa