Urban M. Brandt, 94, Jefferson City, passed away Friday, June 23, 2023, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Nov. 17, 1928, to the late Peter and Gertrude (Vasen) Brandt in Linn.
He was united in marriage to Mary Jo (Graessle) Oct. 26, 1962, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Freeburg.
At the age of 23, Urban was drafted and served his country in the U. S. Army, Able Company, 45th Division. After basic training, he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and from there went to North Korea where he served on the front lines as a Staff Sergeant during the Korean War. While there, he was “Como Chief” in charge of communications and a squad leader of 9-12 men.
A lifelong resident of the Central Missouri area, he joined Delong’s Steel, Inc. in 1960 and retired in 1994 after 36 years of service and then worked an additional five years in a part-time capacity.
Urban was a faithful member of the Cathedral of St. Joseph where he was an usher. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus #12992 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 2693.
Urban loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. He spent many hours at the family’s cabin on the Osage River that he shared with his brother, Herb. Urban enjoyed gardening where the fruits of his labor resulted in countless canning sessions. His favorite T.V. show was Hee Haw. Urban had a mechanical mind that gave him the ability to solve and fix anything. His mother always said, “If Urban couldn’t fix it, it couldn’t be fixed”.
He will especially be remembered for his quick wit and his keen ability to make those around him laugh. Urban was a jokester that could tell the simplest of stories with humor and often had those around him laughing hysterically. In addition, he was musically inclined and was a self-taught guitar player at the age of 18. Prior to joining the service, and alongside his grandpa (John Brandt), uncle (Casper Brandt), aunt (Sybilla Brandt Bock) and brothers, Fred and Herb, Urban played in the family’s band called “Brandt’s Band” playing for local weddings and dances. He had a pleasant singing voice and frequently played his guitar and sang for family and friends. Many will remember his guitar playing, singing and silliness around a camp fire.
Urban was the last living decendent of the Peter and Gertrude Brandt family. He was preceded in death by parents, Peter and Gertrude; brothers, Fred, Herb and Charlie; sisters, Luelle Brune, Delores Veltrop, Helena Lehman, Theresa Eiken and Mildred Mebruer.
He is survived by wife of 60 years, Mary Jo; children, Kim Brandt-Stuart and husband Jim of Centertown, Kathy Kessler and husband Howard of Jefferson City, Conni Vega and husband Wes of Manchester, John Brandt and wife Kim of Centertown and Mark Brandt and wife Susan of Wardsville; grandchildren, Garrett Ferrier and wife Kristy, Kaylee Hubbs and husband Jesse, Madison and Sam Ferrier, Ben, Jacob and Olivia Kessler, Em and Jane Knobbe, Alex Brandt and wife Sarah, Nick Brandt, Emma Brandt and friend Chad Turpin and Sydney and Hayden Brandt; great-grandchildren, Murphy Ferrier, Olive Turpin, Royce Hubbs and Beau Brandt; sisters-in-law, Polly and Mary Lou Brandt; brothers-in-law, Harold Eiken and Clarence Mebruer; and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Mass was held Tuesday, June 27, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph Undercroft with Fr. Louis M. Nelen officiating. Inurnment with military honors was in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggested to Vitae Foundation (www.vitaefoundation.org) or to K9’s for Warriors (www.k9sforwarriors.org).
Arrangements entrusted to Houser-Millard Funeral Directors, Jefferson City.
Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.
