Donald E. Brandt, 79, of Eau Claire, died Sunday, January 4, 2004 at his home. He was born November 6, 1924 in the town of Worden near Stanley, the son of Bart and Minnie (Schmidt) Brandt. Donald graduated from Stanley High School in 1942. After farming with his father for two years he joined the U.S Army. He served in the Philippine Islands and with the army of occupation in Japan until his honorable discharge in February 1946. \r\nHe graduated from River Falls State Teacher's College with a degree in Agricultural Education in 1950. He then worked as a Veteran Farm Trainer at New Auburn teaching veterans under the G.I. Bill. \r\nDonald was united in marriage to Barbara J. Gillum at First Congregational Church in Eau Claire on December 26, 1952.\r\nThey moved to Eau Claire in 1953 where Donald was employed with the Rural Insurance Companies until 1956 when he took a job with Ralston Purina Co., working with feed dealers in a five county area. In 1971 Donald purchased the Thorp Flour&Feed Co. which he operated for 25 years, retiring in 1996.\r\nHe was a member of the American Legion Post #0118 and VFW Post #9057 in Thorp.\r\nSurvivors include his wife, Barbara; two daughters, Kathleen (Michael) Lahner of Eau Claire and Jean (Gene) Brandt Hunt of Green River, WY; son, John (Jill) Brandt of Eau Claire; five grandchildren; two great grandchildren; brother, John (Marge) Brandt of Thorp; sister, Alyce (Peter) Pawelko of Florissant, MO; nieces and nephews.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Kurt; and a brother, Robert.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, January 8, 2004 at First Lutheran Church with the Rev. Dr. Duane C. Pederson officiating. Burial will be in Lutheran Church Cemetery where VFW Post #305 will perform military graveside rites. Family and friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and an hour prior to services Thursday at the church.\r\nFamily requests memorials be directed to First Lutheran Church, 1005 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54703, Luther Bible Camp, P.O. Box 153, Chetek WI, 54728 or to the donor's choice.

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