Irene F. (Freeze) Brandt

Irene F. Brandt, age 97 of Osceola, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on the morning of June 3, 2022.  Irene was born October 22, 1924, in New York City, New York to the late George and Allanina (Millar) Freeze.  She was a graduate of the Brooklyn School of Nursing where she became an RN in 1948 and completed her B.S. in Nursing Education in 1954 at Hunter College.  In May of 1957, Irene enlisted in the US Navy where she served honorably, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander and serving over 8 years until her honorable discharge in December of 1965.  While serving her country, Irene married Bernard Brandt on December 18, 1964.  They celebrated 44 years of marriage before Bernard’s passing in 2008.

Irene is survived by her son Robert Brandt and his wife Melody of Osceola and 7 grandchildren: Rebecca Harbin and her husband Eric, Jonathan Brandt, Maryann Ingle and her husband Triston, David Brandt, Joanna Brandt, Angela Brandt and Daniel Brandt.  Surviving as well are 2 great-grandchildren, Moriah and Isaiah Harbin.  Her sister, Eleanor Rosenberger, preceded her in death.

A private graveside service with military honors was held at Olive Cemetery in Elkhart.  Cruz Family Funeral Home was entrusted with her care.

She chose to follow Jesus on July 29, 1939, at the then Pinebrook Bible Conference for young people in the Pocono Mountains and faithfully trusted the Lord all the rest of her days.  She was a nursing instructor at Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Madison, Wisconsin from 1954-1957.  Irene joined the Navy Nurse Corps and was stationed at Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital from 1957-1959 and sailed around the Pacific from 1959-1961 on a troop transport out of San Francisco, California to Hawaii, Guam, Okinawa, Philippines, Japan, Alaska and Formosa (Taiwan).  She taught corpsman for basic and independent advanced duty at the San Diego Naval Hospital Corps School between 1961 and 1965.  Later, Irene helped her husband with Artistic Painting Company and many other ministry and business adventures.  She returned to nursing in the late 1980’s and finally retired in 1995.

Over the years Irene was involved in many bible studies and women’s ministry events, made many memories at Forest Home Christian Conference Center, and developed life-long friendships as she and Bernard served in ministry and were involved in their small groups at Skyline Wesleyan Church in San Diego, California.  After Bernard passed away in 2008, Irene moved from San Diego to Elkhart, Indiana, and enjoyed many memories with Robert and Melody, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many friends she made while she lived at Hubbard Hill Estates.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of her life, or leave a message of comfort for the Brandt family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall above.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that you please consider donating a Bible in honor of Irene to someone in need.