Robert Lawrence Brandel, 82, of Dubuque, died Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center in Dubuque.

Private family burial was in Linwood Cemetery.

Robert was born December 3, 1941, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Leonard John and Catherine M. (Freund) Brandel. On October 17, 1964, he married Carol Ann Torrey at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubuque. They have shared 59 years together.

He proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1960 until 1964.  Bob was an engineering technician for John Deere Dubuque Works, retiring in 1992 after twenty seven years.

Bob was a mechanical music and steel guitar hobbyist, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He entertained people at parades with his Wurlitzer Band Organ.  He was a Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts Troop 48 from 1982 to 1984.  Bob also enjoyed boating on the Mississippi and traveling, considering the Thermopolis Hotsprings, in Wyoming, among his favorites.  He greatest joy came from spending time with his family, grandchildren and great-grandson.

Besides his wife, Sweet Old Bob is survived by his children, Cathy (Brian) Aydt of Astoria, OR, and Jeff (Kate) Brandel of Centennial, CO; grandchildren, Brandon (Marissa) Aydt, Nicole Aydt, Elizabeth Brandel, and Sean Brandel; one great-grandchild, Bennett Aydt; and two brothers, Jack (Jane) Brandel and Timothy (Deb) Brandel, both of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his father- and mother-in-law, Henry and Lillian Torrey, one sister, Jane Hansel, and one brother, Gerald “Dewey” Brandel.

The family would like to thank the ICU staff at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.