Gary D. Brandt

Gary D. Brandt, 73, Clarion, died January 11, 2016 at the Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion. Services were held January 15, 2016 at the Church of Christ in Clarion.

Gary Douglas, son of Elmer and Carolyn Iseminger Brandt, was born July 26, 1942 in Fort Dodge. He was raised in Clarion and graduated from Clarion High School in 1960. He then attended Iowa State University for English. Gary was blessed with three sons: TJ, Tyler and Travis. On September 6, 2008 Gary married Kathy Franzmeier.

His favorite thing to do was playing piano. He was a self-taught musician, playing by ear. Gary was a member of the Red Sneaker Jazz Band in Des Moines and Red Shirt Ramblers. He taught piano lessons for many years. In 2003 Gary came out with a CD titled Made It This Far. His musical talents led him into a variety of venues, musical styles, and careers.

He enjoyed building mini dollhouses, screen printing, and thrift shopping. Gary spent many hours with his multidenominational group The God Squad.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and long-time friend Luci Bardoner.

Gary is survived by his wife Kathy; sons TJ (Brenda) Brandt, Tyler (Joy) Brandt, and Travis (Clara) Brandt; step-daughter Laura (fiancé Adam Messer) Franzmeier; grandchildren Bryce, Bret, Brock, Derrick, Lathan, Brenda, Harley, Victor, Alex, Salem, and Addison; and sister Judy (Jerry) Weir.