Eleanor's funeral service is 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at Zion Lutheran Church in Avon, with burial in the church cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation is at the church Monday from noon until 7 PM, followed by a 7 PM prayer service. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon is in charge of arrangements.

Eleanor Edith Brandt was born October 28, 1928 in rural Delmont, SD to Elmer C. and Maria (Pullman) Lauer. She died Saturday, September 11, 2010 at the Wagner Community Hospital after complications of Myelofibrosis, a rare blood disease, which she battled courageously for eighteen months. Eleanor attained the age of 81 years, 10 months, and 17 days.

Eleanor was baptized at her home in Delmont by Rev. Charles Weiting on November 18, 1928, and was confirmed in the Christian faith by Rev. Otto A. Pinnt at Zion Lutheran Church in Avon, SD on March 29, 1942. Her confirmation verse was Psalm 37:4, "Delight thyself in the Lord and He shall give the desires of thine heart." She attended Belmont Country School in Douglas County near Delmont for six years. She then attended Avon Zion Lutheran Parochial School for two and a half years. She graduated from Avon High School in 1946. On June 3, 1948, she married Raymond Brandt at Zion Lutheran Church in Avon. Together, they had six children.

Eleanor was an active member in her church. She served on the church council and was a Sunday School teacher. Over the years Eleanor was employed by several businesses including S.B. Gelfand Grocery; F. Weidenbach Grocery; Ed Schuh Gamble Store; Gurney Seed & Nursery and the Avon Livestock Sale barn Caf? where she was well known for her homemade pies. Eleanor also worked on the family dairy farm while raising their children. She sold Avon Products and had her own Lawn Ornament business. Eleanor was an active 4-H leader for many years and served as the 4-H County Board Secretary. She was very proud of her 100 year farm in Delmont. Known for her green thumb, she raised beautiful gardens and enjoyed being a member of the Avon Flower Club. Eleanor had a special knack for cooking and baking pies. Eleanor loved spending time with her entire family and enjoyed attending their activities. She had love and total commitment to her family, friends, and God. She always said "I have the best family in the world."

Eleanor's memory will live forever in the hearts of her husband of 62 years, Raymond, and their sons Dennis Brandt and wife Lyla; Rodger Brandt and wife Sandy; Dwayne Brandt and wife Debbie all of Avon and daughter Norma Noller of Kearney, Ne, eleven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren and one on the way.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother Theodore, infant sister Erna, infant son Luverne, daughter Judy Pullmann in 1976, son-in-law Art Pullmann in 1976, brother Paul in 1979, and son-in-law Pat Noller in 2008.

Casketbearers
Grandchildren:

Gina Reicks
Teresa Brandt
Ben Brandt
Dustin Brandt
Michelle Boyd
Tiffany Dickey
Sara Schoenhals
Michael Noller
Dwight Brandt
Denise Leischner
Darla Brandt


Honorary Casketbearers:
Lee Lagendyk
Lauren & Sylvia Meiers
Marlin Villhauer
Russell Pullman
Tammy Johannsen

Remaining members of the AHS Class of 1946