Russell Vernon Brandt Jr.

Jack was born on August 20, 1943 in Fairbury, Illinois to Russell V. Brandt Sr. And Betty (Leetch) Brandt. Siblings include Judy Gibson and Jan Piercy.

Jack graduated from ISU with his teaching degree in Industrial Arts and taught at Pontiac High School in the auto mechanics department. It was there that he was asked by Seneca High School to start up and teach a live auto mechanics shop. His classes were popular with the students and challenging not only for them, but him as well. It was while he was teaching in Seneca that he was set up on a blind date and met his future wife, Bobbi. They married in 1982 in Morris, Illinois and were together for 43 years.

Jack was a strong, intelligent, kind, loving and quick-witted husband who loved the Lord, his wife, and his family. He was a great mechanical diagnostician, and his family and friends sought out his advice. He loved old cars, camping, fishing, and always loved a challenging project that would keep him busy for hours. Jack served in the US Army as a ballistics weatherman from 1965-1967 and was a member of the American Legion for 44 years.

Jack is survived by his wife Bobbi, sisters Judy Gibson and Jan Piercy, and Sister-in-law Diane Brandt. His 3 sons David (Tamme) Crater, Kurt (Jenny) Crater, and Jeff (Jen) Crater. His grandchildren Makenna and Keegan Crater, Alexis, Natalie, and Beth Crater, Luke Crater, 1 great grandchild Hagen Crater, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Betty Brandt, sister Joy Brandt, and brother John Brandt.

The memorial service will be on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at East Lawn Mausoleum Chapel. Visitation will be from 10-11 AM with services immediately following.