Beatrice Thelma Brandt age 96, of Brookings and formerly of Elkton, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at the Neighborhoods at Brookview in Brookings.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at the United Parish in Elkton, SD, with burial to follow in the Elkton City Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral. Eidsness Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Beatrice was born on Jan. 4, 1929, near Bemis, SD, the daughter of Clarence and Bessie (Lammers) Prange.
Beatrice and her brother Floyd grew up on a farm near Castlewood, SD. She received her education through the eighth grade in rural school in Hamlin County. She was united in marriage to Lloyd Brandt on Oct. 7, 1954 at the Presbyterian Church in Brookings. Mrs. Lillian Bebensee (Lloyd’s sister) was Thelma’s matron of honor, Floyd Prange was Lloyd’s best man. An open house reception was held at the bride’s parents home near Castlewood, with 150 guests attending. The couple moved to the farm south of Elkton where they raised their family; Marlan and Alayna. Thelma had a large vegetable garden, grew beautiful flowers, raised chickens, sold eggs in Elkton at the Whistle Stop, and helped Lloyd with haying - haystacks.
Lloyd and Thelma moved to Elkton in 1980. Thelma sewed quilts, crocheted scarves and gloves, mended jeans and clothes for people. They traveled to Arizona various times to visit Alayna and her family.
Lloyd died in 1995. In 2011, Thelma moved to Brookings. She enjoyed traveling, visiting family and friends, and going to dances.
Thelma was a member of the United Parish Church in Elkton. The Lord’s Prayer wall hanging, which is in the sanctuary of the church, was made and donated to the church by Thelma.
In 2016, Thelma became a resident of the Neighborhoods in Brookings. Thank you to the staff at the Neighborhoods and Brookings Health Hospice who cared for Thelma with compassion.
Thelma enjoyed playing the accordion. She made the best potato salad. Thelma loved to go to the carnival rides at the Elkton Harvest Festival with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her children Marlon (Carolyn) Brandt of Elkton, South Dakota and Alayna (Sam) Watson of Boise, Idaho as well as grandchildren; Allen Brandt, Janelle Brandt, Nathalie (Jason) Bumsted, Casey Hoskins, Cameron (Roni) Watson, Cody (Sarah) Watson, and Cassidy (Ozzy) Reorowicz.
