Watch Barney's Memorial Mass

Bernard "Barney" Brandon, age 92, of Park Rapids, MN, died on Monday, May 8, 2023, at his home, surrounded by family, and under the care of hospice.

Bernard Charles was born January 8, 1931, in Grand Rapids, MN, the son of David and Lilah (Maddy) Brandon.  He grew up and attended school in Grand Rapids.  Barney's great athleticism earned him an outstanding high school athletic career and the honor of being a 3-sport letterman.  After graduating with the Class of 1949, Barney attended NDSU for a year and a half before enlisting with the United States Air Force in 1951.  Following his honorable discharge in October of 1954, he entered the workforce.  Barney met Lois Lazzaro and the two were united in marriage on February 19, 1955, at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church in Nashwauk, MN.  Barney worked for Farmers Union and he and Lois made their home in many different communities, moving 19 times in a 20-year span and growing their family along the way.  They were blessed with five children: Bob, Paula, Bernie, Sue and Bill.  They settled in Mahnomen, MN, where they raised their family and all five kids graduated from Mahnomen High School.  Barney returned to college and graduated in 1960 with his Agriculture Education degree.    Although he didn't spend a day in the classroom, he educated many over the years as a Field Representative working for Cenex before retiring in 1987.  Together with Lois, they also owned and operated the So and Sew Shoppe for 10+ years.  Upon retirement, Lois and Barney built a home at their Christmas Tree Farm in Balsam Township and eventually wintered in Arizona.  They moved back to Mahnomen and Twin Valley before making Eastgate Community in Mesa, AZ, their permanent residence.  Lois passed away on April 13, 2015, and Barney continued to live in Arizona until 2021, when he moved back to Twin Valley, MN, followed by Park Rapids in 2022.

Barney had a great sense of humor and liked to keep busy, always on the go. When he was younger, learning the trait of hard work, he and his brother, Dave, operated a Christmas Tree Farm in Balsam passed down from their dad. He loved the pine trees, especially their smell!  In addition to hard working, Barney was neat, orderly, and organized.  He was a meticulous bookkeeper and record keeper.  In his spare time, he enjoyed his friendships and playing horseshoes and cards, mainly Whist and Bridge, even online.  Barney loved his sweets and he had a few favorites including sister Dorothy's fudge, Scotch a Roos, oatmeal coconut cookies and yellow cake with 7 minute frosting.  After Lois died, he learned how to bake cinnamon rolls and apple pie.  He also liked niece Peggy's strawberry jam and, in his eyes, you couldn't go wrong with liver and onions.  Barney will be missed by many but will live on in your heart through great memories.

Barney is survived by two daughters, Paula Stevenhagen of New Franklin, OH, and Susan (Jeff) Cadwell of Park Rapids, MN; three sons: Robert (Cathryn) of Fergus Falls, MN, Bernard Jr. (Judy) of Santa Fe, NM, and William (Rachel) of Queen Creek, AZ; 14 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; one sister-in-law, Janet Brandon of Grand Rapids, MN; and 23 nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lois; five sisters and brothers-in-law: Cleola (Bob) Hengstebeck, Jean (Matt) Berardo, Helen (Gordon) Peterson, Dorothy (Willard) Patten and Nancy (Joe) Wohler; one brother, David; one son-in-law, Tim Stevenhagen; and one great grandson.

Blessed be the memory of Barney Brandon.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 30, 2023, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids, MN. A Time of Gathering will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment with take place on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at noon at the Balsam Cemetery, Bovey, MN.