Rev. Victor L. Brandt, 97

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Rev. Victor L. Brandt, of Elmhurst, formerly of Palos Heights and Willowbrook, died on July 17, 2018, at the age of 97. Beloved husband of the late Irene for 67 years; loving father of Rev. James (Kathryn Fuger) Brandt, Deborah (Matthew) DeCino, Ruth (Michael) Bash and John (Andrea) Brandt; grandfather of Rev. Matthias (Valerie), Jesse (Mary), Micah, Rachel, Claire, T.J., Don and Sierra; great grandfather of Gabriel and Bjorn; dear son of the late Rev. John and Emma (Matthias) Brandt; brother of Leota (Arthur) Stapel, Velma (Rev. Melvin) Schmidt, and the late Rev. Arlan (Delores) Brandt; uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Victor was ordained to the ministry of the Lutheran Church in 1944. After serving congregations in Bessemer Mich., Baltimore Md., and Buffalo NY, he served as pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Palos Heights from 1960 until his retirement in 1986. In 1976 Pastor Brandt led Good Shepherd out of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod after that church body’s conservative turn. He was elected Bishop of the English Synod of the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in 1985 and was active in the formation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in 1988, serving on the three-person Constitution Task Force. The ELCA is the largest Lutheran body in North America. Dedicated to the Gospel and known as a wise and gentle shepherd, Pastor Brandt was loved by many in his congregations and in the wider church.
Pastor Brandt and Irene loved to travel and led groups on more than 20 international trips. The family mourns his loss and knows he remains in the hands of our gracious God. Memorial Visitation will be held at Ahlgrim Funeral Home, 567 S. Spring Rd., Elmhurst, from 5 – 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 10. Memorial Visitation also at Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 Division St., River Forest, from 10 – 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11. Memorial Service follows at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Memorials to Grace Lutheran Church; Rev Victor L. Brandt Seminary Scholarship Fund, ELCA Endowment Fund; or Lutheran Social Service of Illinois are invited. Arrangements provided by Ahlgrim Funeral Home. For more information, call 630-834-3515 or visit ahlgrim.com