Betty Brandt

Betty A. Brandt, 95, of Waukon died Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at Good Samaritan Center in Waukon. Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 5 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon with Fr. Mark Osterhaus officiating. Burial was at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Waukon.

Elizabeth “Betty” Byrnes Brandt was born February 21, 1923 in Jefferson Township, Allamakee County, the daughter of John Francis and Eleanor Link Byrnes. She grew up on the family farm and was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon. In 1940, she graduated from Waukon High School and April 22, 1946, Betty married Kenneth “Cod” Brandt at the St. Patrick rectory.

For the next 30 years, she and Cod raised five children and ran the DX Stations in Waukon. After Cod’s retirement, Betty and Cod managed the St. Vincent de Paul store in Waukon for 25 years. An accomplished baker and cook, she made great bread, pies and cookies. Betty and her family also worked with Rich Schulte to establish the annual Thanksgiving Day community meal at the Vet’s Club. Betty was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan; she also enjoyed working in her vegetable garden.

Betty is survived by her five children: Julie Brandt of Cary, NC, Thomas (Linda) Brandt of Minneapolis, MN, Paul (Karen) Brandt of Kalona, Mark (Jennie) Brandt of Minneapolis, MN and Matt (Mary Kay) Brandt of Cedar Rapids; her grandchildren: Dana Lorelle, Tara and Luke Wind, Tova Brandt, Kirsten Hensley, and Tony, Adam, Nate, Hannah, Peter, Stephen, Joe and Rachel Brandt; 13 great-grandchildren; a sister, Loretta Tressel of Richfield, MN; and a brother, James Byrnes of Waukon. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cod, in 2011; two sisters, Edna Barrell and Lorna Wilson; and a brother, Leo Byrnes.

Casketbearers were her grandchildren. Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.