Marilyn L. Harder-Brandt

Marilyn Harder-Brandt passed away at the age of 88 on July 21, 2026, at Mayo Hospital in Mankato, MN. Born September 10, 1937, in St Peter, MN, Marilyn was the daughter of William Herman and Gertrude (Hell) Harder. Her education began at Rush River country school later graduating from Le Sueur High School in 1955. She grew up on the farm with her older brothers Bill and Roger. Marilyn and her brothers were all avid 4-H members and Marilyn was especially skilled in Clothing Construction and the Fashion Review projects. The family were active members at Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Gaylord. Marilyn was confirmed in 1951. Marilyn continued her education at Mankato State University, earning her bachelor’s degree in teaching and business in 1958.

Marilyn loved teaching Home Economics and would often remind you of that fact. Her teaching career was spread over many cities, Appleton, Pierz, Chaska, North St. Paul, and many more moves. Each moved involved the entire family with nieces and nephews assigned boxes to carry--suited to their size, weight, and age. We often said we knew where we were going in the Twin Cities metro area, because Aunt Marilyn used to live over there.

In 1975 Marilyn’s career transitioned to working for US Bank in Minneapolis and then St. Paul in the Financial and Trust department until her retirement in 2007. During this time, Marilyn was a volunteer member and elected officer for the American Businesswomen’s Association--Avante Chapter.

March 17, 1983, Marilyn married Edmond Albert Brandt at the Como Zoo Conservatory. St. Patrick’s Day was also Eddie’s birthday--so he could never forget their wedding anniversary. Eddie was a Korean war veteran and that inspired Marilyn to become involved with the VFW.

Marilyn’s life revolved around volunteering her time to the State, District VFW offices, the Cooties, VFW Auxiliary, and the local Maplewood VFW branch. She was District President of the V.F.W. 4th District (twice), was honored as Grand President for the Military Order of the Cooties (twice). Marilyn coordinated sewing projects for the cooties, planned 4th of July, Christmas, and Veteran day events at the state and local chapters. She continued her VFW work long after Eddie’s death in 1992, and it was Covid that stopped her 10+year schedule volunteering twice a week at the Minneapolis Veterans Home.

Marilyn also loved to sew garments and make quilts—a skill she mastered from her mother’s teachings and 4-H projects. Many of the nieces and nephews treasure the gifts she has left us. She loved us like her own kids, treating us to special events, state fair tickets on our birthdays, and always including us at her VFW honorary ceremonies.

Family was an important part of Marilyn’s life. Marilyn is survived by her sister-in-law, Donna Harder of Le Sueur; her many nieces and nephews, Joyce (John Schneider) Harder, Janel (Brent) Metcalf, Neal (Bobbie) Harder, Lee (Lisa) Harder, Susan (Brian) Schwartz, Margie (Don) Riebel, and Julie Plafcan; Many great nieces and nephews and great grandnephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edmond Albert Brandt: brother and sister-in-law, William August Harder and wife Naida, and brother Roger Henry Harder.

We would like to Thank the staff at French Meadow Place for their support in Marilyn’s care.

Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026. 2 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Gaylord, MN. Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Monday September 14th, 10:00 am Minneapolis, MN.