Donald A. Brandt, 81, of rural Blakesburg, died at 11 a.m. May 1, 2026 at Mahaska Health Hospital in Oskaloosa.
He was born January 24, 1945 in Cushing, IA to Rex and Betty Sellon Brandt. He married Joann Jensen, and they had two children, Don Jr. and Kris. They later divorced. He married Joan Lois Sturm October 20, 1978.
Growing up in Galva, he graduated from Galva High School. He farmed alongside his dad and for others around the Galva, Holstein area. Moving to Carroll, he drove a semi-truck and was a car salesman. Having the opportunity to work for Excel in Ottumwa, he and his family moved to Ottumwa and then Blakesburg. He worked 10 years as a hog buyer at Excel, operated Brandt Family Farms and went back into trucking. He drove truck cross country for various companies including Hy-Vee and transporting windmill blades. He also cut brush and mowed for others when he could.
Don attended Hopewell Church and was a member of Wapello County Pork Producers and Wapello County Beef Producers. While his kids were growing up, he was active in Wapello County 4-H. He greatly enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s events and helping them show tractors and participate in tractor pulls. He also enjoyed riding in the WHO Tractor Ride with his brothers.
Surviving is his wife, Joni; their children, Leigh (Joe) Miller of Ottumwa and Willie (fiancé, Amanda) Brandt of Ottumwa; nine grandchildren, Madison (Nick), William, Jonathan, Kaelyn, Kohen, Kerrigan, Kennson, Isabelle and Abigail; four brothers, Bill (Sue) Brandt of Vinton, Bruce Brandt of Miami, OK, Duane (Anita) Brandt of Anthon and Greg (Janna) Brandt of Moville, IA; along with his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins; as well as great friends, Mark (Laura) Clark.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his dog, Katie.
Visitation will be open after 10 a.m. Friday, May 8th at Reece Funeral Home. His family will be present to greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. Cremation will follow the visitation.
Memorials may be made to the family to be designated at a later date.
