Jerome Nelson Brandt

Jerome "Jerry" Nelson Brandt was born on February 12, 1934 to Oscar and Nora Nelson Brandt in Barton, ND. He grew up in Minneapolis, MN and graduated from Central High School in Minneapolis in 1951. After high school, Jerry attended the University of Minnesota ROTC for engineering. He then served his country in the United States Navy and Reserves. During his time in the service, he was stationed in Hawaii, Guam and Japan. On May 5, 1955 he was united in marriage to Darlene Marie Franson in Minneapolis. He started his professional career at NAPCO in Minneapolis as a draftsman. In 1959 Jerry moved his family to Albert Lea and began his career with Almco Division of Household International serving in several engineering and sales capacities. He became Almco's president from 1977 to 1986. Later in 1986, he accepted the position of president and chief operating officer of Corchran, Inc. in Waseca and served in that capacity until his retirement in 2005. Jerry was very active in his community. He volunteered with the United Way, and was a member of the Elks Club and Toastmasters. Jerry enjoyed working outdoors, lawn care and gardening, boating, fishing, hunting, gun collecting, jazz music, playing piano and home improvements. He especially enjoyed spending time at his cabin on Gull Lake in Brainerd and was the president of the Gull View Association. Jerry enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and cherished his time spent with his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Darlene; sons, Kelley Jerome Brandt and fiancé, Kay Hagen of Minnetonka and Kevin Nelson Brandt of Minneapolis; daughter, Kimberly Ann and husband Jim Bennewitz of Hudson, WI; grandchildren, Hailie and Natalie Bennewitz and Matthew and Justine Brandt; and only sister, Bette Humphrey of Prior Lake. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; Oscar and Nora Brandt. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society.