Irene Pearl (Ehlers) Brandt, 95, of Altoona, Iowa, joined her Lord and Savior Monday, April 8, 2024. She was born on the family farm south of Cole Camp, on May 6, 1928, a daughter of John and Lillie (Schnackenberg) Ehlers.
Irene was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Mexico. She was baptized May 27, 1928 and confirmed June 1, 1941 at Mt. Hulda Lutheran Church in Cole Camp. Her baptismal sponsors were August Schnackenberg, Ida Harms, and Katie Junge. On April 30, 1950 Irene was united in marriage to Reinhart Brandt at Trinity Lutheran Church, Cole Camp. They resided on a farm east of Cole Camp with their four daughters until moving to Union, Mo. in January 1970 and Mexico, in June 1982. In December 2016 Irene moved to Altoona, Iowa to be near her daughter.
Irene taught for five years in three different one room schools prior to her marriage. She was a homemaker, member of the Missionary Society and 4-H leader. She also had a variety of wonderful talents including gardening and quilt piecing. Lutheran education and her faith were important to her and she saw to it that their daughters attended Lutheran schools wherever they lived. Later she found employment outside the home and joined the Red Hat Ladies group. She volunteered with Reinhart as grandparents to the youth group, Youth Under Ground (YUG) at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mexico. Reinhart and she enjoyed traveling to Europe, Mexico and many places in the United States. They often traveled back to Cole Camp to participate in German Club activities. After retirement Irene and Reinhart spent many years wintering in Arizona.
Irene is survived by her daughters: Dianne (Marwan) Siagian of Sacramento, Calif., Carolyn Andrews of Springfield, Denise (Larry) Leuchtmann of Foristell, and Mary (Dan) Snyder of Altoona, Iowa; grandchildren Lauren (Kevin) Vogt, Jacob Snyder, and Kelly (Jeff) Quesenberry; great grandchildren Owen Vogt, Maya Anthony, and Alaina Quesenberry; great great grandson Karson Anthony; brothers Elmer (Carolyn) Ehlers and Walter (Verna) Ehlers; sister Idella Engle and sister-in-law Lola Ehlers; in-laws Marvin (Alice) Brandt, Eugene (Joan) Brandt and Elora (John) Moentmann; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John & Lillie Ehlers; husband of 63 years Reinhart Brandt; sons-in-law Don Andrews and Jim Anthony; brothers Elden (Mildred) Ehlers, Rufus (Wanda) Ehlers, Olaf Ehlers; sister Mae (Charles) Holmgren; brother-in-law Tom Engle and sister-in-law Evelyn Brandt and six nephews.
The family will receive friends beginning with visitation at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Mexico, with funeral services to be held at 11 a.m. with Rev. Sonntag officiating. Burial will be at the Cole Camp Memorial Cemetery near Cole Camp, on Saturday April 13, 2024 at 3 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Lauren Vogt, Jacob Snyder, Randy Ehlers, Joey Holmgren, Thomas Moentmann and David Moentmann.
The family suggests memorial contributions may be given to St. John’s Lutheran Church, PO Box 320 Mexico, Mo. 65265.
Arnold Funeral Home in Mexico is serving the family.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com
