Donna Jean Brandes

Donna Jean Brandes, the daughter of Walter and Ella (Blevins) Parker and step daughter of Thomas Hardiman, was born September 28, 1929 at Hamlin, IA and died September 11, 2012 at Corydon Nursing and Rehah in Corydon, IA at the age of 82 years, 11 months, and 14 days.

Donna was married to Raymond J. Brandes with whom she celebrated 57 years of marriage until his passing on March 19, 2006. She was a 1947 graduate of Oakland High School, and remained close friends with many of her classmates for life.

Donna was a lifelong member of Oakland Christian Church and served as church secretary for many years. She loved dancing, sewing, quilting, camping, traveling across the US with family and friends and trips to see her grandchildren and great grandchildren (even three hour each -way trips to see five minutes of music performance or sports action).

Donna will be lovingly remembered by: daughter Kathy Mason and husband Steve, of Corydon, IA; son Doug Brandes and wife Patty of Easton, PA; grandchildren Tork and Christopher Mason of Corydon, Ryan Brandes and fiancée Tina Kish of Nazareth, PA and Nathan Brandes and wife Stacey of Bethlehem, PA; great grandchildren Chase, Natalie, Jake, Hunter and Noah Brandes; brother John Parker and his wife Peggy of Big Bear, CA; twenty-three nieces and nephews; and many good friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her sisters Pearl Johnson and Gladys Parks.


Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2012 10:30 AM at the Oakland Christian Church in Oakland. Interment will be at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Oakland. Visitation with the family will be held from 5:30-7:30 PM on Friday at the Rieken Vieth Home in Oakland. Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland is in charge of arrangements.