Alice Fern Brandes

Alice Fern Brandes, 90, of Central City, died on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at Litzenberg Memorial County Hospital. Funeral services will be on Monday, November 2, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Fairview United Methodist Church in Central City with Pastor Janet Burgel officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday, November 1st from 5-7 p.m. at Fairview United Methodist Church. Interment will be at the Central City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the family or to Fairview United Methodist Church. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com. Alice was born at home on Easter Sunday, April 12, 1925 in Central City to Frank and Ruby (McCollister) Chrisp. She attended Central City Schools, graduating from High School in 1943. Alice and Earl Brandes were united in marriage on October 6, 1946. While living in Central City, Alice worked for the Merrick County Extension Office, Eoff Grocery Store, the County Judge and Clerk of the District Court. In 1950, Alice and Earl moved to farm north of Central City where she became a farmwife in every sense of the word; stay at home mom, farmhand, lunch and meal maker, errand runner, painter, kid raiser, yard and lawn caretaker, and family peacemaker. Alice was a member of the United Methodist Church, beginning April 10, 1938. She was active in United Methodist Women, a Sunday School teacher while her children were growing up, and a sponsor, along with Earl, for Methodist Youth Fellowship, MYF. She was a member of District 8 Homemakers in town, and after moving to the farm, Friendship Club for over 40 years. She became Mrs. Merrick County during that time. She also held offices in the County and State Extension Clubs, including serving as historian of the Nebraska Council of Home Extension Clubs. Alice was a 4-H Leader for 30 years, mentoring the Jolly Jills and Jolly Jinks clubs in early years. She was a beautiful seamstress, one year making 12 leisure suits for men, not to mention many other items lovingly made for her family. Another hobby she enjoyed was drawing over 25 different house plans for families and friends, in her meticulous penmanship. Alice was active in Farm Bureau for many years, as well. She became a member of Chapter AB, P.E.O. in 1983. After convincing Earl to begin golf at age 58, Alice joined him for over 30 years playing the sport, especially during their winters in Arizona. Those left to cherish her precious memory are her partner in life for 69 years, husband Earl; her oldest son, Roger and Sharon Brandes, of Central City; her daughter, Gail and Doug Brand of Seward; her youngest son, Evan and Roxanne Brandes, Central City; her grandchildren, Jarrod, Kane and Julie, Jess and Kelly, Caitlin and Jordan, Eric and Natalie, Kylie and Jason, Krissy and Russ, Carly and Jeff, Cortney and Beau and Alex; and her adoring great-grandchildren, Cole, Ryan, Hailey, Leo, Brooke, Will, Caroline, Sam, Luke, Lincoln, Emma, Trig, Alaina, Elise, Connor, Ava, Tate, Tye, Riggins and Rustin; her sister, Lola Ross of Seward and sister-in-law, Arlene Chrisp of Central City; and many other family members and friends. Alice was preceded in death by her parents, brother, David Chrisp, brother-in-law, Ken Ross, son-in-law, Randall Schilling and infant great-granddaughter, Allison Penke.

Alice Fern Brandes

April 12, 1925 - October 28, 2015