Paul Brandenburger

Paul Brandenburger, 79, Rosholt, SD, died Wednesday, October 24, 2012, at St. Gerard's Community Nursing Home in Hankinson, North Dakota.
Funeral mass was Saturday, October 27, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Catholic Church in Rosholt with Fr. Joseph Hitpas officiating. Music was provided by Lana Sand and vocalist Joe LeClair.
Burial was in the St. Nicholas Cemetery, Rosholt. Military honors were provided by the Read Veflin American Legion Post 180 of New Effington, SD. Honorary pallbearers were Renae Brandenburger, Megan Rinnels, Katie Campbell, Michelle Nelson, Melissa Brandenburger, and all who called him friend. Active pallbearers were Craig Brandenburger, David Brandenburger, Gary Brandenburger, Travis Rinnels, Derek King, Jean Braun, Tony Robertson, and Philip Kadlec.
Visitation was Friday from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the Eggers Funeral Home in Rosholt. There was a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the church.
Paul Brandenburger was born on March 31, 1933, to Nick and Mary (Braun) Brandenburger in Victor Township, Roberts County, SD. He was baptized at his childhood home in Victor Township, received his first communion and was confirmed at St John's Catholic Church in Rosholt. Paul attended Rosholt schools through the eighth grade. Paul worked for a year in Minneapolis and then returned to Rosholt where he was employed at the Rosholt Locker Plant.
On January 4, 1955, Paul married Marlene LeClair at St. John's Catholic Church. He then answered the call to military service with the Army from December 7, 1955, to September 10, 1957, serving at Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Following his discharge, Paul returned to the Rosholt area where he farmed with his brothers and sons. Paul also served his community by plowing snow at St. John's Catholic Church for over 30 years. He also served as an usher and a council member. In 1997, Paul retired and continued to live on the family farm.
Paul was a driver for the NE Ambulance Service for many years and was a member of the Rosholt Area Threshermen's Association and Catholic Order of Foresters. He also served on the Consumer's Co-op board, the LaMars Elevator board, was a past LaMars PTA president, and officer of the NE Wildlife Club. Paul helped organize the Tri-State Shooter's Club and enjoyed trapshooting in New Effington, Sisseton, and Graceville. He also enjoyed bowling in Wheaton and New Effington, hunting, and playing horseshoes. Paul was an avid collector of Oliver tractors, toy tractors and toy cars.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years Marlene; children, Dean (Malane) Brandenburger of Rosholt, Ann Brandenburger and Eileen Rinnels of Wahpeton, ND, Jack (Leila Jo) Brandenburger of Rosholt, and Kay (Kevin) King of Wahpeton; 10 grandchildren, Craig (Nikki) Brandenburger, David (Kay) Brandenburger, Gary Brandenburger, Travis (Lisa) Rinnels, Renae Brandenburger, Megan Rinnels, Katie (Travis) Campbell, Michelle (Darin) Nelson, Melissa Brandenburger, and Derek King; 8 great-grandchildren; brothers, Walter (Avis) Brandenburger of Rosholt, and Art (Connie) Brandenburger of New Effington; sisters, Charlotte Lonnee of Garden Grove, CA, Evelyn Virnig of Maplewood, MN, Dorothy Huehn of Rosholt, MaryAnn (Donald) Robertson of Kensington, MN, and Shirley Lind of Irvine, CA.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charles and Nicholas Brandenburger; sisters, Bernice Sander, Irene Euge, and Florence Brandenburger; great-granddaughter, Mylie Rinnels; and parents-in-law, John and Bernice LeClair.