Karen Ann Brandt

Saturday, April 27, 1940
Date of Death:
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Age:
71 years old
Karen Ann Brandt
Karen Ann Brandt, age 71 of Rochester passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2011 at Samaritan Bethany Heights Nursing Care following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Karen Ann Gauthier was born on April 27, 1940 in Green Bay Wisconsin to Winifred and Irene Gauthier. As a child, she and her family moved to Rochester. She attended Lourdes High School, graduating in 1958. On October 14, 1961, she married John Brandt at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Karen worked at the Olmsted County Bank, IBM Credit Union, IBM Corporation, and ultimately retired from Pemstar in Rochester. Karen was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. Karen was known for the deep love she had for her sons and grandchildren. She loved shopping, dining-out, socializing, going to Curves, and her daily morning walks.
She is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, John, two sons, Scott (Renee) of Eyota, Jay (Becky) of Rochester, grandchildren Jorgen and Jake, a step-grand-daughter, Paige Leichtnam, two sisters, Barbara (David) Brown of Winona, Judy (Leroy) Scharkey of Rochester, and a brother, Michael (Becky) Gauthier of Byron. She is preceded in death by her parents, and a brother Charlie “Chuck” Gauthier.
A funeral service for Karen will be held at 10:30AM on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor James Heining officiating. A visitation will be held on Friday, September 9, 2011 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the new River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, and one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in East Saint Olaf Cemetery in Rock Dell, MN.
Macken Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements and online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Karen Ann Brandt has received the following condolences.
John, I was shocked and sad to learn about Karen's passing. I didn't know she had been ill. Remember me from the bank? I was your personal banker until I retired last year in May. It was always enjoyable to help you and Karen with your accounts. Many times on my drive down 16th street I would see both of you taking your daily walk. I'm sure those were good memories for you and they will be missed. It is comforting to know she is not hurting anymore and the good Lord is taking care of her. You know that Karen will always be with you-in your heart! I talk to my daughter every day and visit her grave often and she has been in Heaven for 5 years now. Our memories are very precious to us. My sympathy to you all and if I can be of any help, please contact me.
I am so sorry for your loss. I met Karen at Curves. What a beautiful gracious lady.
Scott, and the family of Karen Brandt, ...... my deepest sympathy and prayers for comfort and peace. I was shocked to see this obit. Karen was a beautiful spirit, always upbeat with a radiant smile, that just made the world a better place. I first met Karen in the IBM Credit Union. An absolutely wonderful person to interact with. For certain, another angel just entered Heaven, and made it a better place.
Dear John & Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of our loss of Karen! She will be missed by us all. Yet she will live on through our memories of the good times we all shared and laughed together with her:-) Even though I'm here in Phoenix, my heart is right there with you all now and in the days to come.
May you feel God's Peace........
Love,
Darrel Christenson
Dear John, Scott, and Jay,
I am so sorry to hear about Karen's passing. She was a wonderful woman and a very special Aunt to me, she will be truly missed. I wish I could be there to celebrate her life with you all, but our wedding reception is on Saturday as well. Otherwise, I would be there already.
I pray you find comfort in all you fond memories of her, I know I will.
Ann & Steve Foreman, Loveland, CO
My Deepest Condolences to the Brandt Family,
Knowing Mrs Brandt was a honor growing up.She was a great ,sweet,strong, Lady. Saw her with Mr.Brandt shopping a few years back, knew me right off .We had such a wonderful talk ..Always had a nice word to say always kind. This World was a better when she was in it... Sincerely Charlotte.
Scott, Jay and Family's......So sorry for the loss of your Sweet Mother. Have many great memories of her. Always a friendly, sweet smile. I will never forget her. You all are in my thoughts and in my Prayers. May She Rest in Peace. Debbie
Sorry to hear of Karen's passing. She was a good frfiend at IBM.
John, we are so sorry to hear about Karen. We have wondered almost everyday how she and you were doing.
We will miss her smiling face and sneaking cookies for "Moose".
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Your "Old Country Buffet" friends.
Bruce & Sandie Lohse
Don & Mary Pearson
John, our deepest condolences and sympathy to you and your family in the passing of Karen. She "lit up the room" when ever she was able to do so. It is always hard to lose a spouse and especially one of nearly 50 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hopefully, you will be able to remember all the great times and memories at this time of sorrow.
Sincerely, Jill and Dick Lueck