Mark L. Brandsgard

1920 - 2013

Mark L. Brandsgard

Humboldt, Iowa

Mark Leroy Brandsgard of Humboldt died November 29 at the Bishop Drumm Care Center in Johnston of complications of Alzheimer's disease.

Brandy was born July 16, 1920 in Canton, S. D., the son of Halvor and Clara (Johnson) Brandsgard, both Norwegian immigrants.

He was raised in Dakota City, Iowa and graduated from the Dakota City schools and Humboldt High School, where he excelled in athletics, academics and vocal music and received the Marvel Friesth Award as outstanding senior boy. Following graduation in 1937, he attended Estherville Junior College and enrolled at the University of Minnesota where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Accounting in 1942.

Immediately upon graduation, Brandy enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Marine Air Corps where he saw action in the Pacific in WWII as a navigator on a B-25 bomber.

He returned to Humboldt after the war and opened a bookkeeping business. On September 9, 1950, he married Connie Vonderhaar at St. Mary's Church in Humboldt. He received his Certified Public Accounting certificate in 1955 and opened his own C.P.A. business in Humboldt, where he practiced accounting until his retirement in 1981.

Brandy was a scrupulously honest man of unending good cheer. He and Connie were gracious hosts who loved to entertain at their home and at their Country Club cottage. Brandy never asked for anything but was always generous with his own time and money.

Brandy was a church and community leader. A devout Catholic convert, he led the building fund drive for St. Mary's church and convent, served on the church executive board, kept the parish books, sang in the choir and received volunteer awards from the Sioux City Diocesan C.Y.O. He was past president of the Humboldt Country Club, chair of the Humboldt Planning and Zoning Commission, treasurer of the Humboldt Historical Society and a founding member of the Humboldt Homes board, as well as being a member of Rotary and Lions Clubs, the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the State Compensation Commission.

Brandy played multiple sports in high school and college and was a standout in baseball. He played semi-pro ball for Humboldt teams in the 1940s and on all-star teams in the service. While at the University of Minnesota he played pepper with Ted Williams and in 1948 he batted clean-up for Humboldt behind National League All-Star Mickey Owen.

Brandy is survived by his wife of 63 years, Connie, and their four children: Mark and his wife Rose (Clay) Brandsgard and their children, Gracie and Jack, of West Des Moines; Betsy Brandsgard of Davenport; John Brandsgard and his daughter Haley of Kansas City, Mo.; and Brian and his wife Jonette (Noble) Brandsgard and their children, Ben and Erin, of Johnston. Brandy was preceded in death by his brothers Harold and Floyd. He is also mourned by his long-time neighbors and special friend, Bruce and Becky Ruby, and nephew John Vonderhaar.

Visitation will be held Sunday, December 1 from 5-7 p.m. at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home in Humboldt. A funeral Mass will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at St. Mary's Church in Humboldt.