James Edward Brandt, age 86 of Bonduel, passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2016 in Shawano with Carrie and Jerele by his side. He was born on December 16, 1929 to the late William and Lena (Kuehmichel) Brandt in the Town of Lessor. Jim was baptized on March 2, 1930 by Rev. E. N. Halvorson of Navarino. He attended a one-room school house until 8th grade, then attended St. Paul Christian Day School in Bonduel. Jim was confirmed on April 2, 1944 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bonduel by Rev. Walter J. Plischke. He attended Bonduel High School, where he was captain of the football team, and also participated in track, qualifying for and placing at the state track meet. He graduated high school on May 21, 1948 and served in the U.S. Army from February 1951 until he was honorably discharged in February of 1953. On September 10, 1955 James was united in marriage to Beatrice Schultz at St. James Lutheran Church is Shawano by Rev. Harold G. Parsch. Beatrice preceded him in death on October 16, 2012. James was employed by the Wisconsin Electric Company for 40 years. He was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bonduel where he served as financial secretary on the finance board, as an elder on the building committee, on the stewardship board, church council,Evangelism board, with tape ministry for sick and elderly, and also sang in the church choir. He has served on numerous other boards and committees. He was active in the Lutheran Laymen’s League and has served the LLL as district treasurer, zone chairman and was treasurer of the International LLL Convention in Milwaukee in 1992. James received the Christian Laymen’s Award on September 28, 1996. He was also former secretary and treasurer of the Shawano County Mission Society and was active with the Orphan Grain Train. In his free time he enjoyed reading.
James is survived by his daughter, Carrie (Jerele) Westphal of Shawano; a step-grandson, Ben (Emily) Burr; four step-great-grandchildren; and a brother, Royal of Appleton; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice; an infant son; two infant daughters; his parents; his brothers, Arthur, Theodore, Willie, Albert, Walter and Harvey; and his sisters, Lena, Louise, Adelia and Esther.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bonduel with Rev. Timothy Shoup and Rev. Mark Palmer officiating.Burial will be in the church cemetery. Military Rites will be conducted by the Bonduel American Legion. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and again on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Swedberg-Wendt Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.