Marvin Jacob Brandt

Marvin Jacob Brandt, a long-time Lutheran school minister, went to his heavenly home on April 13, 2025, at Traditions of Columbus, IN. He was born on March 10, 1929, in Cole Camp, MO, on the family farm to Ed and Marie (Wittrock) Brandt. He was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stover, MO. On February 27, 1954, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Honey Creek, MO, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Alice Hemeyer. His wife of 71 years. survives. Also, surviving are six children- John (Sue) Saginaw, MI; Paul (Susan) Durham, NC; Jerome (Barbara) Maryville, IL; Zoe Ann (Randy) Bergstedt and Janice (Doug) Sabotin Columbus, IN; Daniel (Lani) Loveland, CO; 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; brother Eugene (Joan) and sister Elora (John) Moentmann. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister, sister Evelyn, brother Reinhart, sister-in-law Irene, nephew Marty, and great-granddaughter Lydia Rose Gibson. After high school, he worked on a farm, shucked corn one season, worked in a shoe factory, and followed the wheat harvest from OK to MT. He asked the Lord to guide him into a more meaningful life’s work. Observing how his sister, Evelyn, enjoyed teaching in a Lutheran School, the Lord guided him into this ministry. He received his BS degree in Education in 1952 from Concordia University, River Forest, IL. He received the MA degree in education from the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO in 1957. Marvin received the Specialist Degree in Education Administration from the University of Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, in 1967. After a very outstanding successful ministry in education, Marvin received the National Distinguished Principal award in 1987, representing all nonpublic schools. This award was presented by the National Secretary of Education in Washington, D.C. He was awarded, in 1991, by Concordia University, Seward, NE, the Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree in recognition of Distinguished Service in the schools he served and the entire Lutheran School System. His ministry began as a student, teaching in a one-room school with 32 students at Clayton, IL. After college graduation, he taught and administered schools and served the congregations as organist, choir director, and in other ministries in Honey Creek, MO, Luzerne, IA, and Waterloo, IA. Later, he moved to Peoria, IL in 1966, to serve as principal of Concordia Lutheran school, at the time, of 330 students. He and the faculty placed much emphasis on sharing the Gospel and conducting an outstanding Christian curriculum. The curriculum was enhanced academically and included greater sports activities, extended activities in the arts, vocal music, string, and band instruments. Due to the growing enrollment, several additions to the building were constructed, but still required to maintain a waiting list for enrollment. In 1992, he retired, but he served 3 additional Lutheran schools as a resource/consulting principal in IL to provide assistance to school leadership. During his ministry, he donated much time volunteering serving offices and boards in the congregations, Walther League, Lutheran Laymen’s League, Church District Boards, District Superintendent of Lutheran Schools, and Phi Delta Kappa. During retirement, he was employed by the US Office of Education to lead a research team for the NAEP program in IL and IN. He and fellow Lutheran principals explored possibilities to help Lutheran schools grow. They decided to create bumper stickers which stated, “LUTHERAN SCHOOLS CARE A LOT”. Later, another designer stated, “LUTHERAN SCHOOLS SHARE CHRIST”. Many thousands were sold, printed in Peoria, and shipped by wife, Alice, all over the USA and the world. With his move to Columbus, IN, he became a faithful member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. He continued to volunteer locally as a Bible class leader, Orphan Grain Train, CASA, AARP income tax, Love Chapel, and other volunteer opportunities. His family enjoyed traveling together, especially tent camping. He and Alice visited all 50 states, 30 foreign countries, in 5 continents. While on these trips, they distributed Bibles and shared the Christian message with others. The family is grateful for the loving care he received at Traditions of Columbus and from Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. The family will receive friends at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 719 5th St, Columbus, IN, between 10-11 am on April 28, 2025. Followed by the Celebration of Life at 11 am with Rev. Tim Carter officiating. Marvin will be laid to rest at the St. Peter’s Columbarium. Memorials may be given to the Brandt Scholarship Endowment at Concordia University Chicago CUChicago.edu/GiveNow, or a charity of your choice through the funeral home or church.