In Loving Memoryof

Joanne L. Brandt

March 5, 1945- October 22, 2016

GRANDMA POEMGrandma Jo, mom, Joanne was seventy-one plus years, she sat feebly on the patio bench..

She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands.When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK.Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. 'Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking,' she said in a clear voice strong. 'I didn't mean to disturb you,

Grandma Jo, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK,' I explained to her.'Have you ever looked at your hands,' she asked. 'I mean really looked at your hands?'I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.Grandma Jo smiled and related this story:

Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. 'They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor.

They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots.They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son and daughter.

They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand.

They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.

These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life.But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of God. After listening to Grandma Jo I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took Grandma Jo’s hands last Saturday night and led her to her final HOME. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and wife I will think of Grandma Jo. I know she is being stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God...

I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face someday .....shouldn’t this be what we all want? Grandma Jo did.

In Loving Memory ofJoanne L. Brandt

Date of BirthMarch 5, 1945, Holstein, Iowa

Date of DeathOctober 22, 2016, Flower Mound, Texas

ServicesFriday, October 28, 2016, 1:30 P.M

Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral HomeHolstein, Iowa

ClergyRev. Paul D. Egger

PianistCheryl Andresen

Vocalist Grace Vaughn

“In the Garden”Violinist

Naia Brandt Congregational Hymns “Be Still My Soul”

“What A Friend We Have in Jesus”Pallbearers

Grant Vaughn Grace VaughnEmily Brandt Naia Brandt

Reed BrandtHonorary Pallbearers

Francis Doyle Bill LawsonBurial

Galva Township West Cemetery Galva, Iowa

J oanne Lynn ( Jensen) Brandt was born in Holstein, Iowa on March 5, 1945. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family in her Flower Mound, TX home on October 22, 2016 after being diagnosed two months ago with gallbladder cancer and is now with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Joanne graduated from Galva High School in 1962.  She has two children, Don Brandt, Jr. from Oakville, Ontario, Canada and Kris Vaughn from Dallas, TX. Her children were foremost in her life, and she worked very hard to support them. When living in Lake View, IA she worked at a number of jobs (popcorn plant, waitress, dry cleaners, Dr. Durst’s office, Contel).  Joanne’s 25-year career at Contel / GTE / Verizon began as a Customer Service Representative. Over the years, she was promoted to positions in Iowa locations (Knoxville, Chariton, Newton) and then to the GTE World Headquarters in Dallas, TX in 1992. Highlights of her career included implementing the GTE billing system from Caracus, Venezula, as well as Tampa, FL. Ultimately, she received the prestigious Verizon President’s award prior to retiring in 2003 as Manager of Bill Design. Upon retirement, Joanne needed to keep busy and began working in 2007 for The Strategic Solution as their data-entry consultant. She loved every challenge that was presented to her and the people she worked with worldwide even more. As if this wasn’t enough, she also became a Scentsy consultant. Joanne had a presence that radiated a maternal instinct and all those who were lucky enough to meet her called her “Grandma Jo”.  She identified as Grandma Jo in every aspect of her life: Scentsy website address, Christmas letters, bright yellow luggage strap, etc.  She was introduced to everyone as Grandma Jo.She organized, planned, and funded many family trips with food and crafts for her grandkids to enjoy. Visits to Grandma Jo’s house always included fun events and special memories for her beloved grandkids. During her 24 years in Flower Mound she built three beautiful homes. She was an avid gardener and was recognized with Yard of the Month in Newton and twice in Flower Mound.  Joanne didn’t see a rock she didn’t like. Grandma Jo loved to decorate for the holidays at home and in the office.  She inherited the love of baking from her dear mother, Lois. Her specialty was cinnamon rolls that covered a plate. Joanne is survived by her son, Don Brandt, Jr. (Susan) and daughter Kris Brandt Vaughn (Trent). Grandma Jo’s grandchildren:  Emily, Naia, Reed Brandt of Oakville and Grant, Grace Vaughn of Dallas;  sister, Judy (Darrell) Murray of Naples, FL; brother, Jon (RoxAnne) Jensen of Galva, IA and sister-in-law Jean Jensen of Spirit Lake, IA. She is preceded in death by an infant son, Brian; father, Russell Jensen; mother, Lois Shelldorf Jensen; and brother, Jerry Jensen along with various uncles, aunts, and grandparents. She was a faithful member of Lamb of God Lutheran Church for years and performed many helpful duties for the ministry of the church. Memorials can be sent to Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Flower Mound directed toward the matching money for the music ministry addition.