Peter Brandt

Obituary

Peter Brandt passed away peacefully at the Steinbach hospital just before sunset on July 1, 2026 at the age of 90 with his family by his side.

He was predeceased by his first wife Alice (Friesen), his father Henry Brandt, his mother Elizabeth (Reimer), his step-mother Agnes (Dueck), his sister Edna Thiessen, his parents-in-law John and Margaret Friesen, his sister-in-law Betty Friesen, and his brothers-in-law Andrew Friesen and Melvin Friesen.

Dad was born on March 30, 1936 to Henry P. and Elizabeth (Reimer) Brandt on the farm where he spent most of his life. He was born during a blizzard, with the doctor arriving by “snowplane”. He was an only child for six years, when his sister Edna was born. His brother Robert (Bob) became part of the family a few years later.

Dad decided at a young age to follow the Lord Jesus, and he was baptized on December 21, 1952 and became a member of the Blumenort EMC, where he was involved for his whole life. His faith was quiet and consistent, and reflected in the way that he lived.

Dad went to the two-room, Blumenort school, walking a mile east across the section to get there, including in winter, when he trudged through deep snow. His mother was often not well, so he packed his own school lunches. He finished school after grade 8, but only took seven years to do it.

After finishing school, Dad had a couple of different jobs, working in the bush, building barns, and working in a poultry plant, but he was truly a farmer at heart. He found the hard work of taking care of animals and his land deeply meaningful. He and his dad built up a family farm which has been continued by his son and grandson. The main focus of Dad’s farming career was raising hogs.

On October 26, 1963, Dad married Alice Friesen of Rosenort. Together they had four children: Reinnie, Brad, Colleen, and Lydell. Our parents created a loving, secure home for us to grow up in. We learned to value hard work, hospitality, and serving others.

Dad’s life changed in the fall of 1983, when our Mom was diagnosed with cancer. He stood by her side through surgeries, treatment, and her passing on June 24, 1984. In the midst of this, he also lost his dad and farming partner. That Christmas, he shared the following words with his family: “Looking back at the year 1984, I must say that God has led through deep valleys. First taking Dad from our midst and then my dear wife, Alice. I want to trust that was because God loves and wants to bless, and draw me nearer to Him. These have been times of loneliness, frustrations, and anxieties, but also God’s comfort and peace.”

On May 4, 1985, Dad married Alvera Friesen, Alice’s youngest sister, and they were blessed with 41 years of marriage. During those years, they continued to care for their family, and saw it grow with the addition of three in-laws, 15 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

In 1995, Mom and Dad built a house in Blumenort, and moved off the farm where Dad was born, grew up, and worked all his life. This was also the beginning of Dad stepping back from full-time farming. This was a difficult transition for him, but it gave him more time to devote to serving others. He had always been involved in various committees and boards. He served on the church trustee committee for many years, with his main responsibility being the church cemetery. He saw the need for seniors’ housing in Blumenort and joined the Oakwood Place board at its inception in 1982. He remained a board member and was involved in the bookkeeping up till his final days. (Within the last few weeks he still helped prepare the June rent receipts.) Dad always took time to listen to people’s concerns, offer encouragement, and help in practical ways.

Dad was blessed with good health most of his life. The last number of years became more difficult as his mobility decreased and he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. His desire was to stay in his own home. Thanks to Mom’s faithful care he was able to do so, except for a few hospital stays this past year. We would also like to express our gratitude to Dr. Singh and the wonderful team of homecare workers (Regina, Wanda, Don, Peter, and Fred).

Dad will be lovingly remembered by his wife Alvera, son Reinnie, son Brad & Rachel and their children Kathryn & Brady Kornelsen (Vivienne and Elodie), Peter & Laura (Simeon), and Mark & Maria (Wyatt and Elliott), daughter Colleen & Scott Gerbrandt and their children Matthew & Olivia (Caleb and Owen), Alyse & Marcus Braun, and Kyla, and son Lydell & Renae and their children Justin, Julianna, Carlee, and Corey.

We look forward to being reunited with Dad in heaven!

The public viewing for Peter will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., with devotional at 7:30 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at Blumenort Community Church, Blumenort, MB.