Althea T. Brandt

Althea T. Brandt, 100, of Arden Hills, formerly of Willmar, died Friday, May 8th at Johanna Shores Gables Care Center in Arden Hills.  A memorial service will be held at a later date in Willmar.  Burial will be in Lake Lillian Community Cemetery.  Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar.   www.hafh.orgMemorials may be sent to the Salvation Army for which Althea and Willard were bell ringers for several years, or to the charity of your choice. 

Althea was born April 8, 1920, to Ira T. and Mary E. (Peterson) Coil.  She joined three brothers, and nine years later, another brother was added to the family.  She attended elementary school in Lake Lillian, Minnesota and graduated from Willmar High School in June, 1938.  She was baptized, confirmed and active in First Lutheran Church of Lake Lillian.  In 1939 she entered Swedish Hospital School of Nursing where she graduated and received her RN Degree in 1942.  She worked in Minneapolis as a private duty nurse from 1942-1944.  She returned to Willmar at which time she became the bride of Willard E. Brandt of Kandiyohi on January 29, 1944. The marriage was blessed with three daughters, all of whom became college graduates.

Althea worked at Rice Memorial Hospital for 25 years as an OB Nurse, five years in coronary care, and at the Willmar State Hospital for 12 years.  She enjoyed her years in her nursing.  She was active in the Minnesota Nursing Association, both locally and also on the state level. She also was on the Community Health Board in Kandiyohi County.  When not working, she enjoyed her family, as well as cooking, baking, fishing, and being active at Bethel Lutheran Church, to which she belonged nearly 70 years.  She enjoyed traveling with family and friends, and after retirement, traveling with Willard to Scandinavian countries, Canada, and the United States, particularly Hawaii. She lived in Willmar from 1944 to 2012, when she moved to St. Paul into long term care, and to be closer to family.

She and Willard, together, taught 55 Alive, were on Police Patrol, visited nursing homes, neighborhood watch, and received the Good Neighbor Award on WCCO.

She is survived by her daughters: Carol, Mary, and Joan, and their families; including four grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Loretta Brandt, and several nieces and nephews.

Althea stated she had “a good life thanks to my husband, Willard, and family and friends.”

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