Ronald Brandt
Ronald D. Brandt, 94, of Waukon died Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Memorial services were held Saturday, December 28 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukon with Pastor Bryan Robertson officiating. Burial with military honors was at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon.
Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon handled arrangements. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church or Veterans Memorial Hospital.
Ronald Dwayne Brandt was born August 7, 1930, in Waukon, the son of Alvin Benjamin and Alvina Bertha (Bechtel) Brandt. He was baptized and confirmed at Zalmona Presbyterian Church in rural Waukon, graduated from Waukon High School in 1948, and enrolled at Luther College in Decorah.
In January of 1951, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) with most of his duty in Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada and El Paso, TX. Upon being discharged, he returned to Luther, graduating in 1956. Ron then attended the University of Iowa for further study, receiving his MA in secondary education.
In 1957, he began teaching at and was the high school principal at Maquoketa Valley. While there, a coworker introduced Ron to their cousin, Nancy Wirkler. August 12, 1962, he and Nancy married at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona. For the next 30 years, Ron was a teacher and guidance counselor at the Waukon Junior High School. Retiring in 1992, Ron and Nancy started to spend winters in Mesa, AZ.
Ron was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukon, serving as council secretary for 27 years and also teaching Sunday school. He served for many years on the Civil Service Board, Oakland Cemetery Board, and the Allamakee Housing Board. Ron was a member of the American Legion and faithfully served on the military honor guard at veterans’ funerals.
He and Nancy enjoyed attending Iowa football games and had season tickets for over 30 years. He enjoyed the husband-and-wife golf tournaments, Thursday golf, and playing cards. For over 20 years Ron and Nancy loved attending yearly Air Force reunions all over the U.S. Ron’s top priority, however, was spending time with family.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy, of Waukon; his children, James (Maggie) Brandt of Mesa, AZ, and Susan (Jeff) Hand of Hiawatha; his grandchildren, Alec (Megan) Brandt, Amanda Brandt, Matthew Hand, and Nicholas Hand; a sister-in-law, Yvonne Brandt of Waukon; and five nieces and two nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents; a brother, Marcus Brandt; a sister-in-law, Patricia (Donald) Green; and two nieces and a nephew.
Urnbearers were Matthew and Nicholas Hand. Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
