Ralph Walter Brandes

Ralph W. Brandes, age 94, of Manitowoc, formerly of Brillion, went to his heavenly home on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Rivers Bend Health & Rehabilitation Center in Manitowoc.

Ralph was born on October 22, 1923 in Sheboygan County, son of the late Louis O. and Anna (Riemer) Brandes.  He married Georgianna Ebert at St. John-St. James on February 12, 1946.  She preceded him in death on July 5, 1991.  Ralph owned and operated his own dairy farm and also was employed with the Town of Rockland as a Road Supervisor.  After his retirement, he enjoyed spending time in his garage, woodworking, helping his family on their farms, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ralph has five children and their families: the late Ralph “Reggie” and children: Keith with Damian and Danica Brandes, and Ryan (Hayley) with Georgia and baby Brandes;  Randy (Deanna) and children: Mike (Tina) with Autumn and Tyler and Angela (Dan) Wiese with Madison, Alivia, and baby Wiese; Richard (Janet) and children: Eric (Kristy) Jaeger with Emma, Jana, and Carson, Heidi Krepline with RJ and Rachel, and Jill Schramm; Lorie (Arlyn) Eickert and children: Jessi (Jonah) Popp with Breleigh, Tenley, Crosby, and baby Popp, Jeremy (Ashley) with Cullen, Olivia, and baby Eickert, Josh (Angie) with Ava, and Jordan Eickert, and the late Robert “Robbie” Brandes; daughter-in-law: Denise Pingel; sister-in-law: Jeanette Brandes; special friend: Iva Haelfrisch; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Georgianna, two sons: Robbie on October 1, 1978 and Reggie on August 26, 2015; numerous siblings, in-laws, and other relatives.

Funeral service will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Brillion.  The Rev. Ross Henzi and the Rev. Phillip Janish will officiate.  Military rites will be accorded by the Bloedorn, Becker, Jensen American Legion Post 126 of Brillion.  Burial will be in Trinity Ev. Lutheran Cemetery.

Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. until 4:15 p.m.

Online condolences may be made.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Riversbend Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center for their care and compassion that was shown toward Dad and to us.