Marian Kathleen (Rasmussen) Brandt , 94, a devoted mother, grandmother, and widow, entered her heavenly home on July 16, 2023. Born August 25, 1928 on the family farm in Washington County, Nebraska, to Peter and Celia Rasmussen, Marian was second-generation Danish on her father’s side. Marian loved growing up as a farm girl and maintained a garden and beautiful flowering bushes throughout her life.
Marian graduated from Arlington High School in 1944 and continued her education at Midland University in Fremont, NE, graduating with a teaching degree in 1949. It was during her first teaching job in Albion, NE that Marian met the love of her life, Melvin Brandt. They were married in Kennard, NE on August 6, 1950 and settled in Albion. The marriage was blessed with two children, Teri and Tim. Melvin’s job with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service brought the Brandt family to Bismarck, ND in 1963. The family enjoyed camping and exploring National Parks together. Once settled in Bismarck, Marian taught with BECEP and saw a need for early education in the community. She founded Bismarck Cooperative Kindergarten at First Presbyterian Church where she continued to educate and impact the lives of hundreds of students until she retired in 1979.
Upon Mel’s retirement a few years later, life was rich in adventure as the couple traveled to Seattle, WA; Germany, Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Nova Scotia, and went on a cruise to Costa Rica and through the Panama Canal. Marian also enjoyed traveling with her dear sister, Myra. Melvin and Marian were faithful members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Mel was the accountant and financial advisor for 29 years, while Marian was a member of both Mary Circle and the library committee, and also a Sunday School teacher. They were also a constant presence in the lives of their grandchildren, attending sporting events, school functions, and hosting sleepovers. The grandkids have fond memories of big bowls of ice cream while watching Shirley Temple, Happy Days, or Disney movies. Marian volunteered generously of her time at MedCenter One and the North Dakota Heritage Center for many years. Her hobbies included knitting, crocheting, crossword puzzles, and solitaire.
Marian was preceded in death by her beloved husband Melvin (2000), son Tim (1986), brother Maynard (2012), and sister Myra (2023). She is survived by her daughter Teri Brandt; five grandchildren, Benjamin (Kristen) Brandt, Tom Brandt, Corey (Patrick) Gilmore, Katy (Keith) Mudgett, and Emily Brandt-Koppy; ten great-grandchildren, James, Jakob, Celia, Stella, Ben, Blake, Klarity, Hazel, Alice, and Violet; son-in-law Allen Koppy; sister-in-law Delores Rasmussen; brothers-in-law Doug Herbster and Bob Hadan; and numerous nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends.
In keeping with Marian’s spirit of giving back, in lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in her honor to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Bismarck) or The God’s Child Project.
Funeral services will be held on July 31st, 2023, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Bismarck ND. Public visitation begins at 10 a.m. with service at 11 a.m., followed by lunch. Marian will be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Valley View Assisted Living, Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center, and Sanford Hospice for their care and assistance in Marian’s final years.
Our memories of Marian serve as a testament to a life full of community service, education, and family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.