Lila M. Brandt, 96, of Rockford, IL, went to be with the Lord, on Saturday, October 17, 2026 surrounded by love. She was born July 13, 1930 in Milaca, MN, the daughter of Charles and Ida (Schultz) Grandy. Lila married Herbert C. Brandt on July 1, 1950 in Luverne, MN. She was a devoted member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, where she served the Ladies Auxiliary. Lila was involved in Bible Study, the Chili Fundraiser and many other activities. She was employed by and retired from JCPenney. Lila was an avid bowler and enjoyed hiking with the Blackhawk Hiking Club. She enjoyed playing cards with the girls from Redeemer and playing bingo. Lila met Robert "Bobby" Wagner in the mid 1980's, and they could be found at the Rockford Speedway every Saturday night and shared the love of the racing with her grandchildren. Lila will be remembered as a loving, compassionate Mom, Grammy and G.G. who never missed a sporting event or holiday. Her legacy of 96 years will live on in all of her loved ones.
Lila is loved and missed by her daughter, Linda (Russell) Deschaine; grandchildren, Amanda (Josh) Deschaine, Natalie (Brent) Deschaine, Tyler Deschaine and Neil Brandt; great-grandchildren, Alesyah, Koltyn, Kinley and Knox; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert, son Wayne, loving partner Robert "Bob" Wagner and numerous siblings.
A visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m., Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL, with a funeral service to begin at 2p.m. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
