Kimberly Jean Brandis

Kimberly Jean Brandis, 63, of Jupiter, FL passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 21st, 2023, at Memorial Hospital in Springfield, IL.

Ms. Brandis is survived by her mother, Yvonne Brandis, and sister, Hope Power, both of Springfield, sons Ryan Schantz of Springfield and Cole Randle of New York City, two loving nephews, Jake Power and Grant Power, and many extended family members and dear friends.

Predeceased by her father, Louis "John" Brandis, co-founder of Brandis Aircraft.

Born February 27, 1960, raised in Springfield, attended Little Flower School, and Sacred Heart Academy. She graduated from the School of Nursing at Lincoln Land Community College.

Within Springfield's community, she supported Sacred-Heart Griffin Academy, St. Jude Parish, Lincoln Memorial Gardens, and Rochester's Lost Bridge Trail, and enjoyed modeling in local charity style shows in support of women's causes. She also supported national charities in the American Red Cross and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of America.
An accomplished equestrian, an enduring love for horses guided Ms. Brandis' life. Her riding career began during childhood in Illinois, where she learned equitation as a Girl Scout at Springfield's Camp Widjiwagan and succeeded in show jumping competitions throughout Illinois as a teenager.

Resuming her equestrian passion in her 30's after starting a family, she achieved the title of Midwest Hunter Jumper Association (MiHJA) 'Rider of the Year' in 1998. In 1999, atop a 17-hands German warmblood named 'Anthem,' she set a record for the most blue ribbons earned within the conference in a single year.

In 2008, Ms. Brandis relocated to Jupiter, FL to train and compete in international riding competitions at the nearby Wellington International Equestrian Center - home to the world's most prestigious show jumping events - where she won over 30 ribbons competing throughout her 50's.

Family and friends gathered to honor Kim's life with a Catholic funeral mass at St. Jude Parish in Rochester, IL on Wednesday, December 27th. A burial followed at the Brandis family burial site in Rochester's Township Cemetery. The family encourages fellow mourners to consider donating in Kim's honor to St. Jude Catholic Church or WILD.

Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester is in charge of arrangements.