Rodger Lee Brandt

Rodger, 80, of Union passed away unexpectedly on June 26, 2023. He was the son of the late William Brandt Sr. and Helen (Kerner) Brandt, born on October 26, 1942 in Bloomington, IL.

In 1955 at the age of 12, Rodger was employed by Wayne Beggs to work in his small meat market “Wayne’s Country Market”. By the age of 14, he knew he wanted to someday become the owner. He worked there throughout his high school years. He graduated from Marengo Community High School in 1961. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1966 and commissioned as an Officer at the age of 24. He returned from his service in 1969.

On October 9, 1971, he married the girl who was his love at first sight, Barbara. They enjoyed 51 years of marriage. Together they raised four children, Debbie, Dale, Dawn and Brianna.

In 1984, Rodger fulfilled his dream of becoming the owner of Wayne’s Country Market at 110 S. State Street, until 2001 when a fire displaced the business. He was determined to continue serving the public and re-opened the business in 2002 at 801 W. Grant Hwy. The community could count on him to be there every day, unless he was at one of his grandchildren’s sporting events, until he retired in 2021.

Rodger served his community in many different capacities. He was a proud member of the Huntley Legion post 673, a longtime member of the Woodstock Moose Lodge 1329, and the Union Lions Club. Rodger enjoyed his large garden, playing cards, fishing, woodworking, spending time with his family and bragging about his kids and grandkids. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandpa, and brother. He instilled his work ethic and servitude to his children and grandchildren. He was someone to truly look up to and be proud of. Rodger was loved by many and will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Rodger is survived by his loving and devoted wife Barbara Brandt, and his children Debra (William Pfeiffer, Dale (Christine Pratt) Brandt, Dawn (Dan) Schubert, and Brianna (Robert) Ray. He is also survived by his grandchildren, the apple of his eye, Alicia (Joe) Leopold, Larissa (Ryan) Widdis, Makayla (Clint Burman) Pfeiffer, Landen (Erin) Pfeiffer, Luke Brandt, Elizabeth (Anthony) Guerrero, Kyle (Becky) Dionne, Olivia Ray, Connor Ray and Marcus Ray. He also doted over his seven great-grandchildren Gabriella and Soraya Guerrero, Lillian Burman, Louis Dionne, Madison and J.J. Leopold, Calliway and Brynlee Pfeiffer, and another due in October. He is also survived by his brothers William Jr. (Barbara) Brandt and John (Karen) Brandt; his sisters Dorothy (Vern) Swanson, Ruthie (John) Renaldi, and Anita (Larry) Wrona; and his many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, July 5, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at St John's Lutheran Church, 6821 Main St, Union, Illinois 60180. A funeral service will occur Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at McHenry County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rodger’s name to the USO or Marengo-Union Rescue Squad.