Alvin Herman Brandt

Brandt, Alvin Herman (Al), 95 years of age but still young at heart, passed away September 11, 2017 surrounded by his family. Preceded in death by wife Edna (52 years together), parents John and Lena, brother Don, and nephew Gaylyn.

Alvin was born August 27, 1922 in what he called “a converted chicken coop” in Drammen Township near Lake Benton in Southwestern Minnesota. German was spoken at home so Alvin learned English when he started country school. He helped out on the family farm and eventually hired out as help on neighboring farms. He once told about cutting a 15-acre field of corn by hand by himself. He would talk about going in to the "little town of Arco" on Friday night for fun. When asked how old he was then he would always say "oh, I was a big kid". Not sure how old but that was as close as he could come.

Alvin served in the Army at the close of World War II. During basic training he and many others in his unit came down with Scarlet Fever. After 30 days in the hospital and many shots he was assigned to the 65th Engineering Combat Battalion stationed in Luzon, Philippines. From there the 65th was transferred to the occupation forces in Japan. He spent 9 months in the Pacific and was awarded the WW II Victory Medal and the Japan Army of Occupation medal.

Alvin moved to the Twin Cities in 1951 to work at the Twin Cities Arsenal. He settled in Blaine and lived there for the rest of his life, 66 years. Alvin reconnected with his childhood friend, Edna Lindemann, and they married in 1955. They both came from farm families and were not afraid of hard work. They had a big garden and Alvin would often work a part time job to make ends meet. Bringing up 5 kids was not easy. A summer vacation was always important. Camping in Brainerd, Two Harbors, and going as far as Thunder Bay, Montana, and Arkansas. After the kids grew up Alvin and Edna enjoyed taking bus trips to locations all around the United States.

Alvin worked a few different jobs after the Arsenal closed and then worked with the Minnesota State Highway Department for 23 years. In 1983 he was struck by a car while working at a highway construction site. He had numerous broken bones and spent three months in the hospital. He was granted a disability retirement.
After retiring Alvin spent time puttering in his "work shop" (a shed behind his garage), going to garage sales and auctions and collecting lots of stuff, and visiting friends and family. Once or twice Alvin bought a farm tractor at a sale. He would drive the tractor home from the sale location! He would keep it for a few months, driving it around his backyard and giving rides, and then sell it.

Alvin continued to keep an eye on his children after they moved out and had homes of their own (especially his daughters). It was like he had up to 5 houses to look after including his own.

Alvin stayed in his home when Edna passed away in 2008 after 52 years of marriage. He would make a "duty call" to his children every night after the 6:00 PM news and weather report and before Wheel of Fortune at 6:30. He didn't talk long but he wanted his children to know he was okay.

Each day Alvin made the rounds to the neighborhood stores and to his second breakfast at McDonald's with his coffee pals, most often driving his car but sometimes driving his scooter. Alvin could start a conversation with almost anyone and made friends wherever he went. On his way in from the parking lots, a good conversation starter was to stop and ask a person about the mileage on their car.

He kept up with old friends and “shirttail” relatives in and near his home town of Lake Benton. Arrival of the weekly newspaper from back home was always eagerly awaited. He made trips back to Southwestern Minnesota every Spring and Fall. A farm sale on the way was always worth a stop.

When Alvin could no longer live on his own he moved to Edgewood Assisted Living in Blaine. He was loved by his caregivers and he was appreciative of their assistance. Early on someone wrote "We love Alvin" on his message board and it remains there to this day.

Survived by sister Helen (Harold) Mattson of Dassell. He will be deeply missed by his children Marti Brandt, Janna (Dick) Quam, Allen (Debbie) Brandt, Sherri (Jim) LaTourneau, Jan (Stephanie) Brandt; grandson Joshua Brandt (Courtney); and cat Riley. Special thanks to Alvin's caregivers at Edgewood Assisted Living. Memorials preferred to his favorite TV station, Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) or PBS Foundation.
Funeral service 1:00 pm Saturday, September 16, with visitation starting at 11:00 am at:
Washburn-McReavy.com
Coon Rapids Chapel 763-767-1000
1827 Coon Rapids Blvd.