Robert "Bob" Bernard Brandt, 68, of Ada, Minnesota died on Saturday, July 4th, 2015 at Essentia Health Care in Fargo, North Dakota. Bob was born to George and Esther (Ruebke) Brandt on August 5, 1946, in Ada. He was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed. After graduating from Ada High School, Bob enrolled at NDSU in Fargo. Bob then entered the U.S. Navy, serving in Vietnam from 1965 to 1968. While stationed in San Diego, Bob met Nancy Stoops, leading to a 46 year marriage. After his discharge, Bob worked for National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego.

On June 14, 1969, Bob was united in marriage to Nancy and they returned to Ada to farm. In the spring of 1972, Bob and Nancy purchased the current family farm, where they spent their lives together and raised their family. They grew potatoes, alfalfa, small grains, sunflowers, beans, corn and sugar beets. Throughout the years they also raised cattle and hogs. Bob was joined in the farm operation by his son Bobby. After many years of farming together, Bobby assumed operation of the farm in 2015, and is joined by his son Sage. It was especially satisfying to Bob to work side by side with his son and grandson.

Bob was active in his community. He served as elder and treasurer at St. John Lutheran Church. He was an active member of the Louis J. Hauge Jr. VFW Post #7557 and assisted with the Ada Veterans Honor Guard, paying tribute to those who served our country. He particularly enjoyed meeting friends over a cup of coffee.

When Bob wasn't farming, he enjoyed spending time with his family. His deepest and most devoted love was for his family, especially his grandchildren. Grandpa Bob always called the grandchildren to sing to them on their birthday, congratulate them on their latest achievement, or smile proudly at them from the stands at their events. He was their biggest fan. He taught his grandchildren to play pinochle, playing at every family gathering and Monday nights in Borup. Bob loved learning new things, and he was currently mastering Snapchat and Facebook to keep in touch with his grandkids. Bob and Nancy also enjoyed their recent winters in San Diego.

Bob will be remembered for his sparkling blue eyes, his sense of humor, his amazing work ethic, his love of life, his dedication to family and friends and his generosity. He was known for his huge garden, growing enough strawberries, pumpkins, corn and peppers to share with everyone. Bob always had time for a quick visit with a neighbor, or to lend a hand, an ear, or a shoulder.

Bob is survived by his wife, Nancy, Ada; daughters, Liz (Joe) Brainard, Twin Valley, MN; Chris Brandt, West Fargo, ND; and Carrie (Tony) Panchella, Germany; one son, Bobby (Chasity) Brandt, Ada; 12 grandchildren: Bethany (Hari) Panjini, Jordan Brainard, Jacob Brainard, Joey Brainard, Sage Robert Brandt, Tiffiny Brandt, Giorgia Brandt, Miya Brandt, Bree Brandt, Anthony (Sarah) Panchella, Zachary Panchella; two brothers: Wayne (Lois) Brandt, and Glen (Kathy) Brandt, both of Ada; one sister, Judy Brandt, Alaska; many nephews and nieces. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Greg.

Funeral services will be held 11:00AM, on Monday, July 13, 2015, at St. John Lutheran Church, rural Ada, MN, with Pastor Dean Bell officiating.

Visitation will be on Sunday, July 12, 2015, from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM at St. John Lutheran Church, rural Ada, MN.

Burial will be in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery, rural Ada, MN.