Donald F. Brandt passed away on May 25, 2024 of natural causes in Keizer. He was 93.
Don was born on April 27, 1931 in Cloverdale to Fred M. Brandt and Annabelle Alma Lane Brandt.
Don was raised in Tillamook County, where he graduated from Nestucca High School in 1949. While in high school he played football and ran track. He was the fastest kid in Tillamook County, placing third at state in the 220-yard dash. Don met the love of his life before leaving Tillamook County, Elizabeth (Betty) Anne Miller. They were married in November 1950 at the Tillamook County Courthouse.
After graduation, he moved to Hermiston and worked for PGG before being drafted into the Army during the Korean War. He started at halfback for the Dixie Division (20,000 men) football team. Because of football and his shooting skills, he worked at training troops and never went to Korea.
After returning to the Hermiston area, Don and Betty raised their four children, Don, Jerry, Bill, and Terri. Don was an avid outdoorsman. He had a fondness of photography. He loved hunting, fishing, and foraging in the forest for mushrooms and huckleberries and was proud of feeding his family from nature. His children never tasted beef until his oldest son was 14, when he was given half a beef while working on a ranch. His understanding of nature was uncanny. It was often said that Don could catch a fish in a mud puddle.
Don’s career was spent as a state of Oregon grain inspector and he retired in 1983. He enjoyed 35 years of retirement “running to and fro over the face of the earth,” as Betty was fond of saying.
He is survived by sons, Jerry (Debbie) and Bill (Tracy) and daughter, Terri Brandt Correia (David). He passed on his knowledge and love of God and nature to his nine grandchildren, Jason, Ben, Andrea, Casey, Tyler, Kelly, Corey, Mychal, and Kristin. Don had 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter, Kendyl.
Don was preceded in death by his wife, Betty and son, Don; two brothers, Harry and Frank; and his parents.
Don had a wonderful, fulfilling life and before passing looked forward to seeing his wife Betty and all the loved ones gone before him. He is making footprints all over heaven.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
