Lillian Cecelia Brandt

Lillian Cecelia Brandt, age 87, passed away February 17, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and love. She was born on March 19, 1938, in Kansas City to Henry Brandt and Elsa Heimsoth Brandt.

Lillian grew up on a farm in Lenexa, where she helped care for her two younger sisters and assisted with the daily work of tending the farm. She developed a deep love for animals, especially the many cats that roamed the farm. During her youth, she was an active member of 4-H, participating in monthly meetings and entering projects in the county fair. It was during these early years that she learned cross-stitching and sewing—talents she continued to enjoy throughout her life.

A lifelong learner, Lillian earned her Master’s degree in Education and dedicated more than 40 years to teaching elementary school. She taught multiple grade levels and especially enjoyed bringing history and pioneer life to life for her students. Her passion for education and her caring spirit touched countless young lives before she retired in 2003.

Lillian’s faith was central to her life. She sang in her church choir and remained active in Sunday services. She also served others through volunteer work, including supporting women’s prison ministries and participating in a missionary trip to Venezuela.

She had many interests and hobbies. Lillian loved classical music, reading, entertaining friends, sewing, knitting, and baking. She was an avid collector of rare and unique stamps. After retirement, she enjoyed daily walks, being involved in her quilter’s circle, and volunteering at Lanesfield School. While living at Brookdale College Square, she participated in the Red Hat’s Club, the Entertainment Travel Club, Sunday church services, and trivia gatherings.

Lillian loved to travel and embraced every opportunity to see the world. She traveled extensively throughout Europe, especially to Germany to visit family. She also treasured trips to Alaska, Russia, and Latvia with the Orphan Grain Train organization.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Elsa Brandt.

Lillian is survived by her sister Alice Kasten; her sister Frieda (Bill) Oetting; her niece Kristin (Josh) Friedel; her nephews Greg Oetting and Mike Oetting; and her niece Renee (Caleb) Asher and their children, Grace and Christian Asher.

Services will be held Tuesday, February 24, at Calvary Lutheran Church,7500 Oak Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64114. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. A graveside service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, 13901 S. Black Bob Road, Olathe, KS 66062.

Lillian will be remembered for her gentle spirit, servant’s heart, love of learning, and devotion to family and faith. Her life was a blessing to all who knew her, and her legacy will continue in the many lives she touched.