Robert L. Brandsma

1925 - 2018

Robert L. Brandsma

Sioux Falls - Robert Lloyd Brandsma was born to Abe and Rena (Heimstra) Brandsma on April 15, 1925 in Rock Valley, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm in Canton, SD, graduating from Academy High School. He did a brief stint in the Army and then married Marjorie Stangeland in 1945. Together they raised four children. Bob was a numbers guy and did accounting for several businesses including Dockendorf Equipment Company. He also owned some farmland and share cropped with a trusted farmer. He invested in the stock market and was glued to his computer, watching the trends. The Wall Street Journal was his choice of reading material.

He later married Caroline (Carrie) Willaredt and they enjoyed buying and selling antiques at many an auction, estate or garage sale. They also wintered in Texas with relatives to escape the cold SD weather.

Alzheimer's got a hold of Bob in his mid 80's and the Bob we knew slowly faded away at Southridge Nursing Home until God rescued him. A big thank you to those who gave him tender, loving care.

Left to enjoy his memories are his two children, David (Belvia) Anniston, AL, Becky Parker (Roger) Sioux Falls; son-in-law Scott Neil, Foresthill, CA; 3 stepdaughters, Karla, Lori, and Marcy, 3 brothers, George (Euliss TX); Loren (Roberta) Kalona, IA; Allen, Canton, SD; two sisters-in-law, Lillian living in Minneapolis, MN and Annette living in Mitchell, SD; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Those who reached the Promised Land before him are his mother and father, daughter, Barbara Neil, son Bruce, step son Mark Willaredt, sisters-in-law Margaret Brandsma and Mary Lovett, and brother-in-law Wally Heckenlaible.

Funeral services will begin 10:30 am Wednesday at Miller Funeral Home, Main Avenue location. Interment will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 5:00-7:00 pm Tuesday at the funeral home.

www.millerfh.com