Dean Leroy Brand

Dean Brand of Ft. Myers, FL died peacefully on Thurs. Aug. 20, 2015 surrounded by family. He was born in New Ulm, MN on Sept. 23, 1934 to Edwin and Cora (Batalden) Brand. He graduated from Windom High School in Windom, MN in 1952, and from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD in 1958. He married Onalee Dralle in 1957.

Dean served his country in the US Air Force. As a fighter pilot he flew the F-84E jet aircraft. He was a member of the South Dakota Air National Guard. He worked many years as a comptroller in the auto industry including Al Gallman Pontiac and Victory Layne Chevrolet. He enjoyed travelling the country, taking long road trips through US.

He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was a member of New Hope Presbyterian Church in Ft. Myers. He found great joy in attending services, Sunday school and teaching Bible study.

Dean is survived by 3 children: Valarie (Jan) Olsen of Ft. Myers, David Brand of Ft. Myers and Lisa (Steve) Peery of Wethersfield, CT; 5 grandchildren: Jayme (David) Nagle, Dane Olsen, Jana Olsen, Haley Olsen and Paul Brand; 4 great-grandchildren: Andrew, Audrey, Elijah and Briella. His brothers: Lloyd Brand of Windom, MN, Pete (Carol) Brand of Windom, MN and Eldon (Sharon) Brand of Canton, MI; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Cora Brand.

Family and friends are invited to visit at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, 12777 State Road 82, Fort Myers, Florida 33913 on Monday, August 24, 2015 from 5:00-7:00pm. Funeral Services will be held at New Hope Presbyterian Church 3825 McGregor Blvd. Ft. Myers on Tues. Aug 25 at 11:00 am with reception to follow. Graveside services will be in Lee Memorial Park Cemetery, Fort Myers, Florida at 2:30 pm.