Donald John Brandt

Donald John Brandt, age 82, of Linn, passed away Saturday evening, December 7, 2024, at his home. Don was born September 28, 1942, in Freeburg, to Alfred and Josepha (Reinkemeyer) Brandt. He was married on August 14, 1965, to Christy Marie Thomeczek, who survives at the home. Don was the fifth generation to live on the Brandt Dairy Farm, which was established in 1840. 

Don attended St. George School in Linn, and Fatima High School in Westphalia. He was active in 4-H and FFA during his young years. Don had to take on an adult role at an early age when his father was killed on the farm by a dairy bull. Don was twelve at the time, the oldest boy in the family with an older sister and four younger brothers and a younger sister. His mother was pregnant with his youngest sister at the time of the accident. The family continued to farm, milking cows to support the family. He became a state FFA officer in 1960, the first state officer in the Fatima chapter. He earned the American Farmer Degree in the fall of 1963, one of only eleven young men in the state to do so. 

Besides running a successful dairy farm for 43 years, Don remained active in many other organizations. He was a life-long member of St. George Parish in Linn where he served on the Parish Council numerous times, including when the church was built. He and Christy were members of the Osage Squares, a square-dancing group, in Linn. They were also named Young Cooperators of the Mid-Am Dairy Coop in 1972 and served three years in that organization. This gave Don and his wife the opportunity to travel to the National Milk Producer conventions, held in New York, San Francisco, and Miami Beach, as well as other places. He also served as a state officer of the Missouri Young Farmers organization and was a chairperson of the State Tour held in Linn in 1981. At the time of his death, he was a board member and past president of the Osage County Historical Society and had volunteered many hours fixing things and with the monthly mailing. He was also the Chairman of the Board of Freedom Mutual Insurance Company for many years. Don was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus and a Fourth-Degree member of the Monsignor Kutz Assembly in Westphalia.

Don also had many hobbies, including playing his guitar with the Jammers, a country music group that meets weekly. He enjoyed making toys out of junk from around the farm and his shop. The toys include tractors, a steam engine, a bulldozer, pickup trucks, and other farm equipment. He got his great-grandfather’s broom machine from the old house, brought it home, and figured out how to get it to work. He made several brooms with it and enjoyed telling about it. He loved to cut grass but not work in the garden! Other hobbies include Sudoku, putting together puzzles, and watching Gunsmoke and Andy Griffith on TV. He enjoyed the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs. He enjoyed family history and all things farm-related. He also liked seeing his sons work together on the farm. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren and going to their sports activities. He was good at making ponhaus and liked to give it to others.

In addition to his wife of 59 years, Don is survived by his six children: Julie Andrews of Dardenne Prairie, Alfred Brandt (Sonya) of Linn, Jeana Havlovic (DeLayne) of Omaha, NE, Mark Brandt (April) of Linn, Paul Brandt (Courtney) of Linn, and Rick Brandt (Keriann) of Monroe City; 13 grandchildren: Katie Andrews, Luke Andrews (Kayla), Megan Andrews, Kelsey Shoop (Alec), Lindsey Brandt, Zachary Havlovic, Joshua Havlovic, Sam Brandt, Elyse Brandt, Adalyn Brandt, Amelia Brandt, Casen Brandt, and Daylin Brandt; one great-grandchild, Jack Shoop. Don’s seven siblings and spouses: Joan Backes (Hubert), Inge Brandt, Joe Brandt (Darlene), Tom Brandt (Betty), Ralph Brandt (Phyllis), Caroline Pearon (Donnie), and Janet Carder (Jim) along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by one brother, Richard Brandt.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2024, St. George Catholic Church in Linn.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 13, 2024, at St. George Catholic Church in Linn with Fr. Colin Franklin as the Celebrant. Interment will be in the St. George Parish Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to St. George Parish or to the Osage County Historical Society. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Missouri (897-2214)    www.mortonchapel.com