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Brandes, Michael J.
Michael J. Brandes, 55, of Marion, Iowa, died Saturday, April 30, 2011, in the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 5, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, the Rev. David Beckman will officiate. A visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday at the church. A luncheon will follow the ceremony.
Michael was born August 31, 1955, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the beloved son of Dr. Jim and Mary Jane (Gogg) Brandes. Mike attended Regis High School and received his B.S., magna cum laude, from Mount Mercy College. Michael worked in computer and software support services for many years. He worked for G.P. Fasteners in Reading, Pa.; Source Data Systems; Keane Inc.; and most recently Verizon Business of Cedar Rapids.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Bremer; his mother; his brother, Matthew (Jeanne) Brandes; nieces, Kate (Aden) Beihl, Martha Brandes (Ronan Farrell) and Laura (Thomas) Ebinger; grandnephews, Lincoln and Archer Beihl; grandniece Margaret Ebinger; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father in 1993.
Mike was a fierce competitor. As a youth, he excelled in Cedar Rapids and regional AAU swimming. Later, he became an accomplished golfer. He finished high in Elmcrest Club tournaments and the Cedar Rapids City Am on several occasions. Mike liked nothing better than “thrashing” his playing partners in his regular weekend game. He also enjoyed a good game of cards and lively debate of any kind. Mike was a very caring person. He was especially kind to his nieces and took special joy in his pets. Mike was a wonderful son, husband, brother and uncle. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
The family is very grateful to Dr. Jasmine Nabi and Hospice of Mercy.
Memorial donations may be made in Michael's memory to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy.
Please leave a message, tribute or memory to Michael's family on the webpage, www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.
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