Herbert N. Brand

Herbert N. Brand, age 91, of Mankato and formerly Wanda died Sunday, November 11, 2007 at Immanuel St. Joseph’s Hospital in Mankato. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 15, 2007 from St. Mathias Catholic Church in Wanda. Burial, with military honors, will follow at the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday, November 14, 2007, from 4 until 8 p.m., with a prayer service at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Thursday for one hour prior to time of the service.Nelson-Martin Funeral Service of Redwood Falls is handling the arrangements.Herbert Nicholas Brand, the son of Michael and Margaret (Moelter) Brand, was born November 24, 1915 in Willow Lake Township, Redwood County. Herb entered the United States Navy on August 28, 1940 as a Gunners Mate, retiring with an honorable discharge on November 11, 1959. He earned several medals during his service career. Herb was at Pearl Harbor when his ship, the USS California, was bombed on December 7, 1941. He was thought to be among the dead, along with his brother Nicholas, but they were very much alive.His marriage to Emma Faye Rollins took place on September 20, 1947 in Charleston, West Virginia. They lived in Charleston, and Tongue Point, Oregon. Herb settled his family in Wanda in 1952. In addition to many sea tours, Herb was stationed in West Park, Washington; San Diego, California; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Providence, Rhode Island. After retiring from the Navy, Herb returned to Wanda with his family where he worked at the Wanda Farmers Elevator as assistant manager until November 30, 1978. For the past two years, Herb resided at Northpoint Retirement Community in North Mankato.Herb served in the Navy Fleet Reserve until 1970. He was Wanda’s acting mayor, a member of the city council, Commander of the American Legion, and president of the Fireman’s Relief Association. He also served on the Wanda Fire Department from 1962 to 1978. Herb was a member of St. Mathias Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.He is survived by his children and their spouses: Michael and Barbara Brand of Valley City, North Dakota, Joseph and Lissa Brand of Ellicott City, Maryland, Sue and Bruce Waletich of North Mankato, Robert and Susie Brand of Madelia, David and Barbara Brand of Glencoe, Julie Friedley of Mankato, Karen and Raymond Madsen of Humbolt, Iowa, Thomas and Sheila Brand of Lake Crystal, and Charles and Terry Brand of Wanda. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his sister Catherine Brand of Wabasso; and his brother Chris Brand of St. Paul.He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Faye, in 1985; a son David, in infancy; twin brother Hubert; brother Nicholas; sisters Susan Jenniges, and Sister Michael Ann Brand; and twin brothers in infancy.