Bernice “Bernie” Brandel passed away April 18, 2026. She is now flying free, joining her husband, Dewey, in the great beyond. Alzheimer’s is a cruel disease which stole so much from her. But her legacy will always reflect the warmness and devotion she embodied in her healthier years.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Bernie was born to Elmer and Mary Klaas on November 6, 1940. She spent her years of youth on the family’s farm in Kieler, WI. It was during this time she learned the value of hard work, the importance of family, and that the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach.

Bernice married her kindred spirit, Gerald ‘Dewey’ Brandel on June 10,1961. Together they shared 54 years of marriage before his passing in 2015. Their marriage was one filled with laughter and built on a strong foundation of adoration, respect, and devotion. Together they raised 3 children, Lori, Debbie, and Roger.

Bernie was meticulous in everything she did. From the many years of secretarial work at Dubuque Hempstead High School, to her ability to never forgot a birthday. She was meticulous in her perfectly cleaned laundry she hung out on the lines, and the way she organized the seashells she and Dewey collected on their annual visits to Bonita Springs, Florida. We will always remember her punctuality and impressive organizational skills.

Bernice was a humble woman who found joy in the simple things in life. A talented seamstress, she made many outfits over the years for her kids and grandkids. She always saved the fabric scraps so their dolls could have matching ensembles. Known for her sweets, she spent countless hours in the kitchen making jams and pies from the fruits from the garden. Above all, she enjoyed the quiet moments in the early evening spent with her husband sitting on their bench on Cortez Drive.

Later in life, Bernice was the quintessential grandmother. Without fail, Grandma Bernie had treats, specifically sweets, ready for any visitors. You never left her house hungry. It seemed stuffing us to capacity was a measure of her love. We will always cherish the way she lavished and spoiled us with love and adoration at every opportunity.

Left to cherish her memories and recreate her recipes are her 3 children: Lori (Mike) Stecher, Debbie (Pat) Conry, and Roger (Laura) Brandel. 9 grandchildren: Dillon, Audrey, Dallas and Valerie, Courtney & Casey, and Hannah, Tessa, & Jenna. 9 great-grandchildren, Drake & Silas, Ella, Carlin & Nash, Nora & Clara, Pearl and Teddy. A sister, Carol, and many in-laws and nieces and nephews.

In her memory, we simply ask you to visit your loved ones, especially those in nursing homes. Memorials may be given to Bethany Home.

We cannot thank Bethany Home enough for the exceptional care they provide our mother/grandma over the past 12 years. We are beyond blessed to know she was always with people who celebrated with her on her good days, and navigated her bad days with the utmost compassion, patience, and dignity. For this, we will never be able to thank you enough!