Donald H. Brandt, age 81, of 742 Lakeshore Drive, Escanaba, died early morning  October 11, 2005 at the Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers.

Donald was born in Escanaba, Michigan on February 12, 1924.  He was the son of Julius and Inga Brandt. 

Survivors include:

His wife Joy Brandt (Kowalczyk)

Four sons: Raymond (Trudy) Brandt; Dorian Brandt; Donald S. (Ramona) Brandt and Alfred (Teresa) Brandt

Two daughters: Barbara Rose and Diane Berns

Fourteen grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

Survivors also include a special friend; John E. Walch.

Mr. Brandt was the founder and chairman of the board for the Brandt Construction Co.  In recent years, he shared ownership with his son, Alfred Brandt, company President and CEO.  Mr. Brandt was an alumnus of the Escanaba School System and the University of Chicago.  Mr. Brandt was very active in business and civic affairs.  He was an officer and director of the Project Pride Committee, which spearheaded the construction of the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce building.  Mr. Brandt was a WWII veteran and upon his discharge from the Army, resided in Chicago for the next 4 years while attending school.  He returned to Escanaba and joined his uncle, Alfred Brandt, in the building/contracting business.  Upon his uncle’s death in 1966, he completely reorganized the company into a larger business consisting of commercial and industrial construction.  The new company was renamed the Brandt Construction Co. Inc., a Michigan Corporation.  Donald served the Delta County Chamber of Commerce as a director and in 1968 as it’s president.  He was a member of many organizations, some of which include, Escanaba Kiwanis Club, Elks Club, Escanaba Country Club and Sunrise Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California.  He was very active in Boy Scouting and held the Eagle rank.  He was an avid boxing fan and assisted in organizing the Escanaba Boxing Club.  Mr. Brandt served as a director of MFC First National Bank in Escanaba.  He was one of the founding directors of Michigan Financial Corporation, a bank holding company that incorporated other MFC National Banks, thus Michigan Financial Corporation was created and later merged with Wells Fargo Corp.  He also was a member of Michigan Child & Family Services and was awarded a Distinguished Participant award in 1978.  He also served on many commissions for the city of Escanaba.  Mr. Brandt lived most of his life in Escanaba and spent the winter months at his home in Rancho Mirage, California. 

Family will receive friends on Saturday from 1:00PM to 2:00PM at the New Life Assembly of God Church in Escanaba.  Military rites will be conduct at 2:00PM, at the church, by the Delta County Veterans Council.  Memorial services celebrating the life of Donald H. Brandt will follow military rites with Pastor Robert Derheim officiating.  Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.  Memorial contributions, in Don’s name, may be directed to the Delta County Hospice or to the Pinecrest Medical Care Facility.  Envelopes will be available at the New Life Assembly of God Church.