Mary Kathryn Brandt

Mary K. Brandt, 99, of Atkins, IA, formerly of Waukon, IA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at home in Atkins. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 2nd, at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon with Fr. John Moser officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may greet the family from 9:30 AM until time of services at the church on Friday. Martin – Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling the arrangements.

Mary's spirit and strength lives in each of us and in the lives that she touched. She lives in all those who have been touched by the love, strength, conviction, wisdom, and the beauty of her soul. She was truly a special woman. Mary was a dear mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend; she has left behind a legacy of love, kindness, warmth, and strength. Mary was a gentle soul who touched so many lives in unforgettable grace.

Mary Kathryn Brandt was born March 2, 1925, in Waukon, IA, the daughter of Thomas and Ethel (Drew) Urell. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John's The Baptist Catholic Church-West Ridge, rural Waukon, IA. Mary attended country schools and graduated from St. Patrick High School. On April 1, 1943, she married Ralph Brandt at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon. Mary worked at Northern Engraving until 1961. She then went to work at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon, where she started out as a nurse's aide before coming a registered nurse. Over the years at the hospital, she worked in OB, surgery, ER, respiratory therapy, and was a purchasing director before she retired in 2003. Mary and Ralph also farmed in Ludlow Township, rural Waukon, milking cows and raising beef cows, pigs, and crops.

She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, VFW Auxiliary, and several card clubs. Mary enjoyed playing cards, crocheting, sewing, working on crafts, and baking. She loved spending time with her family and friends and having her dog Corkey sit on her lap.

Survivors include her daughter Dorothy (Rick) Powell of Atkins, IA; 12 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 19 great-great-grandchildren; a sister Sarah Drew of Cedar Rapids, IA; sister-in-law Kate Urell of Waukon; and daughter-in-law Becky Brandt. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband Ralph, who passed away in 1990; two sons: Leo and Steve Brandt; two brothers: John (Lela) and James "Tony" Urell; a sister Judy (Howard) Sorum; and brother-in-law Donnie Drew.

Casketbearers are Josiah Childs, Dale and Ed Urell, Danny Ryan, Mark Sanders, and Mike Brandt.