John R. Brandrup

John Ross Brandrup passed away peacefully on October 11, 2023. He was 93.
John was born in Mankato MN on May 23, 1930, to Holly Jeans and Lucille (Ross) Brandrup. He was raised in Mankato along with his brother, Morgan. John loved to play basketball and played throughout his youth, highlighted by playing on his high school team that was runner-up at the state championships. After graduating from Mankato High School in 1949, John attended Dunwoody Technical Institute where he earned a degree in architectural drafting. In 1953 John enlisted in the army. That same year he married the love of his life, Virginia (Ginny) Spangler. The army took John and Ginny to Germany where they lived until his discharge in 1955. Upon his discharge, they moved to Rochester MN where John took a job in the drafting department at Kruse Lumber. That same year they started their family with their first, of what would be, three children. Dave, Karen, and Paul. While weekdays were for work, weekends were for camping. Whitewater was where you could find the Brandrup's, making lifelong friendships in the process. Johns love for basketball took him to the Rochester YMCA where he was introduced to what would become his real passion. Racquetball. He could always be found playing at the local courts or in tournaments through out the state. His efforts were rewarded with a state title in 1977 and the gold medal in The Arizona Olympics in 2010. His dedication to the game also earned him induction to the MN Racquetball Hall of Fame as well as the Rochester Racquetball Hall of Fame. In the spring of 1976, he was able to open his own business, Brandrup Associates Inc. A residential building company. Something he and Ginny had planned for some time. He presided over the business until his retirement in 2016. Sadly, on July 22, 1976, he lost his beloved Ginny to a lengthy battle with cancer.
In the following years John began motorcycling. He, along with close friend, Bill Roth, were able to see the greater part of the southern and western United States on their many trips. They even achieved the prestigious claim of the "Iron Butt" for driving 1,000 miles in a single day. In April of 1981, John married Nancy (Hogle) Nolan and welcomed her children, Theresa Nolan, and Tim (Diane) Nolan to the family. John and Nancy loved to travel all throughout the US and parts of Europe. They eventually settled on winters in Carefree AZ, summers at Ham Lake WI, with home base still Rochester.
Always an active person, his later years didn't slow him down. Morning coffee with the "boys" was a must. As was Monday night "splitting a pitcher" of beer at the VFW with Bill and the Whitewater crew ( a tradition that has gone on for over 50 years). He tried hang gliding, hot air ballooning, whitewater rafting and sky diving (his first jump was with grandsons Adam and Lee at 86 years old. His second jump was at age 90 with daughter Karen, son-in-law Al Holtan, and son Dave). He was an active member in the First Presbyterian Church, Rochester Rotary, Score, and the Rochester Area Builders Association. He lived a very fulfilling life, but his greatest joy came from being with his family. Father's Day at Paul's was his highlight day of the year. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were always the most important topic of conversation. We will all miss him dearly.
John is survived by his children Dave (Helen), Karen (Al) Holtan, Paul (Sharon), daughter-in-law Diane Nolan, Grandchildren Chad Brandrup, Adam (Whitney) Brandrup, Justin (Laura) Swenson, Kristina Swenson, Alec Brandrup (Ashley Bunting), Lee Brandrup, and Kiera Nolan. Great grandchildren Caleb Hawkins, Mason Brandrup, Jeremiah Swenson, Ella Swenson, Parker Brandrup, Peyton Brandrup, Nyomie Swenson, and Maliyah Swenson.
He was preceded in death by his wife Ginny Brandrup, brother Morgan Brandrup, wife Nancy Brandrup, his stepdaughter Theresa Nolan, his stepson Tim Nolan.
The family would like to thank Dani and Seasons Hospice as well as Marquita and the staff at Homestead Senior Living for all their kindness, compassion, and care.
A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 512 3rd St SW Rochester MN, Friday, October 27th, at 11:00, Pastor TJ Parlette officiating, with a visitation starting at 10:00. A private family grave site ceremony will be held at a later date. Following a light lunch, the family invites you to join them at the Rochester VFW to "split a pitcher" and celebrate John's life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to Mayo Comprehensive Cancer Center or the Mayo Clinic Heart Research Foundation
Online condolences and memories are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com