Engelbert Wendelin, son of Joseph and Katharina (Mueller) Brandt, was born June 19, 1925, near Gray, Iowa. He attended school in Aspinwall. After his schooling, he farmed on the family farm near Aspinwall.

Late into World War II and Korea, he was drafted into the United States Army, serving as a medic. After his honorable discharge, Bert began farming on his own.
On October 2, 1956, Bert was united in marriage with Mary Ann Nees at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Mount Carmel. Six children were born to this union. Bert remained farming on the present family farm. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Church in Manilla, Holy Name Society, and the P.O.L.K. of A. Club. He also enjoyed farming, polka dancing, and videotaping.

Bert had been in failing health for the past year but remained active until the last five weeks. On Monday, October 19, 1998, Bert died in his home near Manilla. He reached the age of 73 years and 4 months. He will be greatly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, and siblings.
Besides his parents, Bert was preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Tranter and Gertrude Gehling.

He is survived by his wife Mary Ann Brandt of Manilla; six children: Michael Brandt and his wife Sue of Atlanta, Georgia; Patrick Brandt and his wife Dorothy of Denison; Gerald Brandt and his wife Tricia of Manilla; Lori and her husband Mark Goedecke of Marion; Lisa and her husband Derek Dixon of Mesa, Arizona; David Brandt and his wife Dawn of Manilla; 10 grandchildren; brothers and sisters: Katherine and her husband Walter Bissen of Earling; Sophia and her husband Marcus Esser of Woodbine; Rosalia Brandt of Manning; Joseph Brandt Jr. of Manning; Chris Brandt and his wife Mary Ann of Aspinwall; and by several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held Tuesday, October 20, 1998 after 3:00 p.m. at the Ohde Funeral Home in Manilla, Iowa. Richard Swanson said the 4:00 p.m. Rosary and Joe Bexten and Eddie Meiners said the 8:00 p.m. Rosary. Father Robert Fangman presided at the 7:30 p.m. prayer service.

Mass of Christian burial was held 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 21, 1998 at Sacred Heart Church in Manilla, Iowa. Concelebrants were Father Robert Fangman and Father Lloyd White. Ann Reisselman and Arynn Rasmussen were mass servers with Jerome Reisselman as lector. Gift bearers were Nathan Brandt, Ryan Brandt, Elizabeth Brandt, Andrew Goedecke, Amy Brandt and Ashley Goedecke.
Music selections were "How Great Thou Art", "Heart of Jesus", "Only A Shadow", "On Eagle's Wings" sung by the Sacred Heard adult choir. David Brandt played "Amazing Grace" on the trumpet.

Interment was in the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Manilla, Iowa. Casketbearers were Jack Dentlinger, Steve Nees, Jim Berger, Paul Tranter, Gary Bissen and Dean Esser. The Ohde Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.