Dorothy Brandt

Dorothy Lee (Bartels) Brandt was born on July 17, 1933, to Otto John Bartels and Lena Marie (Schwisow) Bartels in Tobias, Nebraska. Through the sacred washing of Holy Baptism by Pastor W.G. Nau on August 6, 1933, Dorothy was graciously received into the flock of Christ as a child of God and an heir of eternal salvation. She publicly confessed her faith on March 30, 1947, and was confirmed by Pastor Emil Winckler. Dorothy continued to faithfully receive the redeeming grace of our Lord Jesus Christ through the precious gift of Christ's body and blood in the Lord's Supper. Her deep commitment to her faith was evident in every aspect of her life, inspiring those around her to seek a deeper relationship with God. Dorothy’s early education at Zion Lutheran School, from first to eighth grade, was rooted in the love of Jesus Christ. She graduated with the Class of 1951 from Tobias High School. On April 20, 1952, she was united in holy marriage to Wilmer Dean Brandt at Zion Lutheran Church, Tobias. This union was blessed with two sons, Terry Lee and Jerald Dean. In 1952, after their wedding, Wilmer and Dorothy moved to California where Wilmer was stationed with the US Army. When Wilmer deployed to Korea, Dorothy worked as a clerk on the army base in California. She became homesick and moved back to the family farm until Wilmer completed his service. They made their first home near Gresham, Nebraska before settling in the rural Western, Nebraska area, where she resided over 60 years. They were blessed with 39 years of marriage until God called Wilmer to his eternal resting place in January of 1991. Dorothy had many interests and kept very busy. Dorothy found joy and purpose in being a devoted housewife, mother, and homemaker, taking pride in her home and yard. She had a deep passion for working outdoors and dedicated herself to nurturing her garden and flowers with great care. She also enjoyed raising chickens to help feed her family, freezing and canning her garden's produce, decorating cakes for others celebrations, and babysitting. You could always count on her to patch up a well-worn pair of jeans, good as new. She always managed to find time to go out and help Wilmer on the farm. In her later years, she could often be found at the family farm, tending to the cattle or digging thistles. Dorothy was a lifelong, faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in Tobias. She joined the Ladies Aid in 1956 and was an active member, serving as treasurer for many years, until her health no longer allowed her to do so. She also contributed many years of service to the Election Board in rural Western, Nebraska. Dorothy cherished her grandchildren, delighting in teaching them to hunt Easter eggs, play ball, and enjoy time on the lawn swing and bike rides. Her competitive nature was evident in her love for card and board games. She was an enthusiastic supporter at her grandchildren's sporting events and was always on the bleachers cheering them on! She found joy in playing cards with friends and spending time with her cousins, Esther, Helen, and Phyllis, on memorable trips. Most notably, in her mid-70’s, Dorothy and her cousins embarked on an unforgettable journey through western and northern Nebraska, with the highlight being their thrilling tanking adventure down the Niobrara River! In her later years, after the grandchildren were grown and had families of their own, she found much joy in cheering on the Husker Volleyball and Basketball teams, never missing a game on tv. On Sunday, October 27, 2024, at the age of 91 years, 3 months, and 10 days, Dorothy was called to her heavenly home where she was joyously received into the eternal embrace of our Savior. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Lena and Otto Bartels; husband, Wilmer; son, Jerry; siblings Vernon, Everett, Gaylord, Leona, and Willard; sisters-in-law, Letha, Iona, & Pat; brothers-in-law, Martin & Lester; and great granddaughter, Shaelyn. She is survived by her son and wife, Terry (Terry Ann); daughter-in-law, Connie; sister, Donna Steinbrook; sister-in-law, Judy R. Bartels; grandchildren Jeremy (Lee) Brandt, Andrew (Stacey) Brandt, Jacob (Ivy Lutz) Brandt, Justin (Krystle) Brandt, Jessica (Darin) Brandt-Denison; Chelsey Brandt (Ahren Ambrose); 17 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service for Dorothy was held on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, rural Tobias, Nebraska. Pastor Alex Bjoraker presided over the Funeral Service. Paul Soulek was the organist and Leslie Drees was the trumpeter. Paul accompanied the congregation in the singing of “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” “How Great Thou Art,” and “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.” Pallbearers included Jeremy Brandt, Andrew Brandt, Jacob Brandt, Justin Brandt, Brent Kassik and Scott Steinbrook. A Graveside Service was held in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery following the Funeral Service. Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com Memorials are suggested to the Zion Lutheran Church or the Western Fire & Rescue Departments.

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