Agnes Brandt

Agnes Brandt, age 92, of Ada, MN, died Sunday, July 20, 2014, in Mahnomen Health Center. Agnes Margretha Merkins was born November 24, 1921, the daughter of Henry and Bertha (Braunschweig) Merkins at her parents' home on a farm northwest of Ada. As a youngster, Agnes attended District 48 Country School, where she graduated from the eighth grade. She worked as a housekeeper for a few years for Mr. and Mrs. Fred Cirks and Mr. and Mrs. Gene Germolus before becoming employed at the Green Lantern Café in Ada where she worked for a year and a half. On November 1, 1946, Agnes was united in marriage to James Brandt in Ada. The couple made their home on a farm southwest of Ada where their three children were raised. Over the years she and Jim raised cattle, milked cows in addition to farming all of which she took an active part in. After Jim's death on January 24, 2003, Agnes continued to live on the farm until entering the Twin Valley Living Center in May of 2012. Over the years, Agnes was an active member of Faith United Church. She loved the farm life and took pride in her many flower and vegetable gardens. She was known for canning, freezing and making large batches of jelly made from whatever fruit was in season at the time. Other favorite pastimes included sewing, quilting, and playing cards. Her family especially enjoyed her homemade breads. Agnes enjoyed spending time with friends and family but especially treasured the time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Agnes is survived by one daughter, Sharon (Ray) Villarreal of Harlingen, TX; two sons, Wes (Dianne) Brandt of Detroit Lakes, MN and Dennis (Charlene) Brandt of Ada; one sister, Orlaine Wiger of Idaho Falls, ID; grandchildren: Chad (Megan) Brandt, Shawn (Tanya) Brandt and their daughter, Hope, Kelly (Virginia) Brandt and their daughter, Jessie, Mandi (Mike) LaChapelle and their children, James and Daniel, Tim (LaRae) Brandt and their children, Landon, Haylie and Sarah, Angela (Chad) Hegg and children, Makayla and Kira, Shannon (Rob) Metcalfe, Adam Villarreal and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; three brothers: Leonard, Ray and Al; a great-granddaughter, Josephine LaChapelle; two sisters-in-law, Doris and Marie; and a brother-in-law, Harold Wiger. Funeral Service were held on Saturday, July 26, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at Faith United Church, Ada. Visitation was Saturday from 12-2 at the church. Officiating was Pastor Jim Jameson with Solveig Kitchell serving as organist. Pallbearers were her grandchildren: Chad Brandt, Shawn Brandt, Kelly Brandt, Mandi LaChapelle, Tim Brandt, Angela Hegg, Shannon Metcalfe and Adam Villarreal. Honorary pallbearers were her great-grandchildren: Jessi, Hope, James, Daniel, Landon, Haylie, Sarah, Makayla and Kira. Burial was in the Ada Municipal Cemetery.

Agnes Brandt

November 24, 1921 - July 20, 2014