Francis James Brandt, 89, of Berthoud, passed away Friday, Dec. 5, 2008 in Loveland, Colo.
Brandt was born Nov. 2, 1919, in Moline, IL, to Frank and Anna Brandt and had a younger brother, George. They moved to the Louisville, Colo. area one year after his brother was born. He was raised farming in the area and, when World War II came along he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October of 1942. He served his enlistment as an Aviation Aircraft Instructor in Norman, OK, and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in March of 1946 as a First Class/Chief.
While serving in the U.S. Navy, he met his wife May Irene Brandt (Jones). They were married on Nov 6, 1946 at the Sacred Heart of Mary Church in Boulder, Colo., which they attended for many years. They raised four sons, James, Michael, Gregory, and William. When recently asked what his greatest accomplishment was, he replied, “my four boys.”
Brandt bought and owned the Ford tractor business in Boulder, Colo. After retiring from his tractor business, he continued rebuilding tractors and farming in Boulder. He was known as “The Tractor Guy.” Francis and May sold the farm in Boulder and moved to Loveland, Colo. in 1981. He never gave up his love of working on tractors. In 2000, he moved to Berthoud, Colo. and fully retired.
Brandt enjoyed his family and friends, telling stories about the service, farming, fishing, and traveling with his wife May. He loved his kids, his grandkids and his great-grand kids, playing Rummy-O with his wife May each night after dinner, and taking his daily walk and visiting friends. He had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. He was the strongest, kindest, sweetest, most honest man anyone could meet. He always brought a smile to everyone’s face that met him and his family will always adore and greatly miss him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Anna Brandt; his brother, George Brandt, and son, James Brandt.
He is survived in death by his beloved wife, May Brandt of Berthoud, Colo.; sons, Michael Brandt of Lingle, WY, Gregory Brandt of Longmont, Colo., William Brandt of Lingle, WY; ex-daughter in law Janell Brandt of Berthoud, Colo.; grandchildren, Penny Brandt, Mandi Brandt, Laurie Gibson and her husband Gabe Gibson, along with his two great grandchildren, Grady and Bailey Gibson.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be announced and held at a later date. Please share your thoughts, memories and condolences with Francis’s family at www.howemortuary.com [1]