Marjorie Lucille Brandt

Marge was born February 26, 1926, to Leo P. and Ethel (Barney) (Malone) Staley in Charter Oak, IA, and was raised on farms in the surrounding area. She married Vernon K. (Bud) Brandt on February 18, 1978, in Elk Point, SD. He passed away February 4, 2000. Marge was born to parents with unique histories. Her mother, Ethel Barney, came to the Midwest on an Orphan Train sponsored by the Children's Aid Society from Herkimer, NY, in 1903. On the paternal side of her family, Marge's father, Leo, was one of 15 children and one of identical triplets born in 1892. The family also included a set of twins. She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. She graduated from St. Boniface Grade School and then from Charter Oak High School in 1943. She later graduated in 1967 from the Practical School of Nursing in Cherokee. After graduating from high school, she held various jobs in California, Iowa, and worked in a fiber mill in Washington State during WW II. She finished her career at the Mental Health Institute working 21 years as a Licensed Practical Nurse and teacher in the Home Living Skills Program. She has been a member of Immaculate Conception Parish since 1960, a member of The Catholic Daughters of America since 1995, and held positions of Financial Secretary and Grand Regent. She was also a member of the IC Guild, the IC Caring Group, and served as an extra ordinary minister. She and Bud enjoyed traveling in their motor home to many states, including Alaska. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, quilting and was a member of The Happy Hookers, the Red Hat Society, (the Red Derby Dames), and a former member of the Quilt Batts. She entered several of her hand crafted items at local county fairs, winning many awards. She is survived by 4 children: Shirley (Doug) Radtke, Hutchinson, MN; Linda (Tom) Ambrose, Fairbury, IL; Donald Knutson, Cherokee; and Nancy McLaughlin, Marcus, IA. She is survived by 9 grandchildren: Dana Ehrig, Lisa Ehrig Ellefson, Staci Ambrose Stephenson, Matthew Ambrose, Lee Knutson, Cyndee Knutson Miller, Michelle McLaughlin Koedam, Amy McLaughlin Bice, Mike McLaughlin, 20 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. She is also survived by stepsons Thomas and Randy Brandt, 4 step grandchildren, and 2 step great grandchildren. Other family survivors include 3 brothers and 3 sisters, Russell Staley, Cottonwood, AZ; Charles Staley (Orlene), Charter Oak, IA; Roger Staley (Anita), Shawnee, KS; Pearl Quandt, Carroll, IA; Evelyn Firth, Phoenix, AZ; and Patty Shanahan, (Leo), Wittmann, AZ; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a stillborn infant brother, a brother, Robert Staley, a sister, Lois Holtorf, a grandson, Neil Knutson, a great granddaughter, Samantha Clotfelter, and a stepson, Vernon Brandt, Jr. Memorials may be given to the Christian Action Program (CAP) Food Pantry or charity of the donor's choice.

SERVICES

OFFICIATING

CASKET BEARERS

VISITATION

MUSIC

INTERMENT