Andrew Brandlee

Andrew Warren "Andy" Brandlee, age 36, died following a brief illness in the Hennepin County Medical Center at Minneapolis, MN early Thursday morning, July 5, 2012. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11AM, Tuesday, July 10 at St. Joan of Arc, 4537 3rd Ave. So., Minneapolis, MN with a visitation 1 hour prior. A Memorial Service will be held 11AM, Thursday July 12, at St. Paul Lutheran at Clark with visitation 1 hour prior. Dorothy Fuller will be the organist with Char and Duane Peterson singing a duet. They will sing, "Here I Am Lord". The congregation will sing "Amazing Grace" and "Borning Cry". The Reverend Robin Schaunaman will officiate. Burial will be private. He was born on January 15, 1976 at Watertown, the son of Warren and Jan (Mahlen) Brandlee. He was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church at Clark, confirmed at the Grace Lutheran Church in Watertown and attended St. Joan of Arc Church in Minneapolis. He attended Clark Elementary, his family moved to Watertown and the he graduated Watertown High School 1994. Following high school he attended U of MN and graduated from Normandale Community College with degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management. Some of his employers over the years included Marriott Corp., American Financial Services and Palomino-all in Minneapolis; The Hampton Inn & Target in Watertown; D'Amico's Restaurant at Chambers Hotel and most recently Rainbow Food Store both in Minneapolis. As a server- it was always with a smile; he was personally requested repeatedly, even by some known celebrities. He spent most of his adult life in Minneapolis except for a brief time at Tahoe, Portland & back to Clark Andy loved music, played the string bass and sang at his sister & brothers weddings, and also loved to dance. He enjoyed debate in high school and also life guarded. He earned his Eagle Scout award. His favorite football team was the Denver Broncos and because of the territory, living in Minneapolis, The Minnesota Vikings. Another passion and favorite pastime of his was spending time in the backyard paradise he and Doug had created; complete with pool & flamingos, lots of them and listening to Garrison Keillor was also a part of that. Red was his favorite color, but he wore a lot of light blue, which showed off his sparkling eyes of blue. Andrew will long be remembered as a kind, compassionate young man, who had a quick wit and sparkling blue eyes. He was secure in the love of his family, as his family is secure in the knowledge of his love for them. He came to the aid of many dear friends, who will miss him tremendously. He was preceded in death by maternal grandparents Julius Mahlen & Ethel Ziegenhagen, Aunt Darlis Serfoss and Uncle James Mahlen. He is survived by parents Warren and Janice Brandlee of Clark, SD, sister Nichol (David) Sutton of New Hope, MN, brother Evan (Darla) Brandlee of Watertown, SD, partner Douglas Wayman of Minneapolis, MN, grandparents Orville and Marge Brandlee of Bristol, SD, 6 nieces and nephews and many friends and family. Aunts and uncles include Mark & Deb Brandlee, Bristol, Tim & Kara Brandlee, Pierre, Marlene Wendelsdorf of Olive Branch, Mississippi and Kay Mahlen, Clark. Thank you to who all who followed his Caring Bridge website with love & prayers. www.caringbridge.org/visit/AndrewBrandlee Furness Funeral Home of Clark is serving the family. Please visit www.furnessfuneralhome.com for additional information and service location directions. Here is a poem that was written by his cousin Kacey Mahlen Hoffman, his family wanted to share it: Andy's laughter has ceased Yet its etched in your mind His voice is now silent Another Andy we will not find He stays forever in your life Forever kept, loved in your heart Andy will stand by your side And he will never part He still loves you so dear Heaven's not so far away Andy will always be near In the wind you'll hear him He'll whisper to you and say "I love you and I'm ok, I'm here with you every day, closer than you think" Another poem written by Kacey. Even though you are gone away, Your love will always be here to stay. You touched our hearts with so many things. God knew you were the one to save, He took you home to get some rest, Even though we loved you best. Our hearts are filled with so much pain, God loved you more, there was no shame. At this time we must let go. Your memories we will keep a flow. Rest our dear cousin with peace of mind, Your memories will live on forever. Will love and miss you always cousin Andy!!! Kacey