Harold Brandt

Harold Arthur Brandt, 96, of Palm Coast, FL, formerly of Waukon, died Sunday, February 4, 2018. Burial with Military Rites will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Waukon later this year.

Harold Arthur Brandt was born in Postville May 15, 1921 to Ray and Malinda (Reinhardt) Brandt. Later moving to Waukon, he graduated from Waukon High School in 1938.

Harold served his country in the United States Army Air Forces in the Pacific Theater during World War II, where he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. Serving in the Philippines as a Wire Chief, he would communicate with the crews of returning damaged aircraft while they were still airborne, coordinating their repair plans. He was also among the first waves of Allied service personnel to witness the devastation in Hiroshima.

May 1, 1948, Harold married Mary Luther of Waukon. Harold enjoyed a long career as a district manager with the Schield Bantam Company, the world's largest manufacturer of truck-mounted cranes. His territory included much of North America. With his talent for sales, Harold was routinely called upon to negotiate and close important deals.

In addition to a caring group of friends in Florida, survivors include a niece, Julie Brandt of Cary, NC, and nephews Tom Brandt of Minneapolis, MN, Paul Brandt of Kalona, Mark Brandt of Minneapolis, MN, Matt Brandt of Cedar Rapids, Bill Luther of Harker Heights, TX, Tom Luther of Chicago, IL and Dave Luther of Byron, MN.