Col. Bruce David Brandes

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, brother, and a decorated veteran. Born in New York, Col. Bruce David Brandes lived a life marked by love, dedication, and service. He went to Heaven peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Bruce was a role model for humanity. His empathy, joyous spirit, kindness, and infectious love of life were a beacon for all of us. He was a man of honor and integrity. His moral compass, legacy of love, selfless service, and courage will forever be remembered and cherished by all who knew him. We take solace in knowing that his spirit will guide and inspire us.

Bruce is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Virginia. They were an exceptional couple, always seen holding hands and gazing into each other’s adoring eyes. Their four cherished daughters were: Bridget Rohde (Jeffrey), Beth Jenkins (David), Brooke Warren (Phil, deceased), and Bonnie Brandes (Chad Maglaque).

He was a proud son of Wilma and Guenther Brandes, and his beloved mother, Vera Brandes. Bruce was a supportive and caring brother to Kathleen Drons (Michael, deceased), Guenther Brandes (Dawn), Peter Brandes (Jane), and Hans Brandes (Mary).

Bruce's legacy continues through his adored grandchildren: Joseph, Ellen, Andrew, and Mary Rohde; Winston, David, John, and Margaret Jenkins; Reagan and Charlotte Warren; and Quinn Maglaque. He was blessed to be surrounded by many more Brandes, Harvey, Holzer, Putman, Plagens, Streeters, Howells, and Ptak family members and wonderful childhood, college, Army, and family friends.

An alumnus of St Edward’s High School in Elgin, Illinois, Bruce graduated with Bachelor of Arts from the University of St. Mary’s in Winona, Minnesota and received a Master of Science degree from Webster University. In the military, he graduated from the Officer Candidate School, the United States Army Medical Department Officer Advanced Course, and the United States Army Command and General Staff College.

Col. Brandes’ decorated 26-year military career is a testament to his bravery and dedication to his country, always leading with clear vision and can-do attitude. He was recognized continuously in his career as a loyal soldier who was totally committed, personable, and outstanding in every respect. As a result, this year, he will be inducted to the US Army Infantry Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame.

In 1967, Bruce was commissioned as an Infantry Officer. Upon graduation from Officer Candidate School, he was assigned as a platoon leader for a Basic Training Infantry Company at Ft Dix and served in Vietnam as 3rd Platoon Leader, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 7th Calvary. He was recognized with a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for Valor on behalf of his brave charge while moving from, “position to position to prepare his men…with complete disregard for his own safety.”

His tour in Vietnam resulted in injuries that required more than a two-year hospitalization at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii. While there, he served as Commander of the Medical Holding Company and then Aide-de-Camp to two commanding generals. He was recognized by Major General W. Boyson as the “most versatile and capable Captain…I have ever known.” He was also commended by Major General C. Hughes and Consul. Byun of the Republic of Korea for “extraordinary competence, initiative and kindness.”

After Hawaii, Bruce was assigned to Combat Development Division of the Academy of Health Sciences at Ft. Sam Houston followed by a residency assignment with the Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth. His distinction at Ft. Leavenworth was evidenced by his assignment as Executive Officer to the 48th Medical Battalion at Ft. Cavazos. He then became Commander of the 48th Combat Support Hospital in Ft. Sam Houston, where he had a subsequent assignment to the Clinical Support Division at Health Services Command. During Operation Just Cause, he was deployed to Panama, assigned as Executive Officer for Gorgas Army Hospital. Finishing his military career at Ft. Sam Houston, his final assignment was Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at the Health Services Command.

Col. Brandes’ highest military honors include: Legion of Merit (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), National Defense Service Medal with Service Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unity Citation with Palm, and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Bruce was utterly selfless, a positive leader, and always in service to others - in life, in his career, and with his family and friends. He always made time for a visit during travels around the world. He was a deeply faithful Roman Catholic, which guided everything in his life. He was happiest with his children and grandchildren, watching Notre Dame football, and attending daily mass. He helped construct many grand-scale projects with his grandchildren for their Eagle Scout (storage building), Girl Scout (hovercrafts) and science projects (trebuchet and adventure platforms). He volunteered with Eucharist Ministry, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Habitat for Humanity, and University of Notre Dame Baseball Classic.

May he rest in peace. May the gift of Peace be with you today and always. God bless you all.

Services will take place in Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel at St. Vincent’s DePaul Catholic Church in Houston on February 16th with the Rosary starting at 9:30am followed by a funeral mass at 10am. With full military honors, his burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. later this year.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to the: Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation (http://weblink.donorperfect.com/BruceBrandes), Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Archdiocese for the Military Services, Tunnel to Towers, Smile Train, or Boys Town.

Please click on the link to view the service program: https://leftrightstudio.com/downloads/bruce-brandes/