Shirley Ann Brandt

Shirley Ann (Walsh) Brandt was born on March 31, 1932, on a farmstead in Jessenland Township in Sibley County, Minnesota. She was the first-born child of Mathew and Margaret (Doheny) Walsh. Her family later moved to Henderson, Minnesota, where her younger brother, Bill, and sister, Kitty Jo, were welcomed into the family.

Shirley grew up during the Great Depression, and her dad would tell her that they lost everything in the Depression - except her! To provide for his family, he took a job as the “town cop,” in part because the position provided housing above the jailhouse, where her mom prepared meals for those who spent time in the jail.

Shirley was baptized at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Henderson and was proud to call Henderson her home. She attended Henderson Public School, graduating in 1950 as class president and valedictorian.

From an early age, Shirley dreamed of becoming a nurse. During high school, she worked at the Green Giant canning company in Le Sueur to earn money for nursing school. It was while working at Green Giant that she met her future husband, Gene Brandt. Shirley attended nursing school at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul and completed her nursing degree in 1953. The friends she made at St. Kate’s remained important to her for the rest of her life. Following graduation, she embarked on a 40-year career as a Registered Nurse.

Shirley and Eugene were married on June 9, 1956, at St. Joseph’s Church in Henderson. They moved to Owatonna, where they lived for 11 years and welcomed their three oldest children, Stephen (Steve), John, and Julie. In 1967, the family moved to Eden Prairie, where their daughter Beth was welcomed to their family. They moved to North Mankato in 1972, where Shirley and Gene made their home for 54 years.

Family was Shirley’s greatest love. She treasured time spent together, whether at Christmas or other holidays, family picnics, birthdays and anniversaries, or during an unexpected visit from a family member. She especially loved babies and rarely passed up an opportunity to hold one, earning a reputation as the family “baby-hog.”

Christmas held a particularly special place in Shirley’s heart. Growing up during the Depression, when Christmastime was sparse, she took great joy in making the holiday special for her family and others. Her second-favorite holiday was St. Patrick’s Day, when she proudly celebrated her Irish heritage. Throughout the year, Shirley enjoyed decorating her home for the changing seasons and holidays.

Shirley’s Catholic faith was an important part of her life, expressed not only in worship but also through service to others. At Holy Rosary Parish, she served on the funeral luncheon crew and was an active member of the Council of Catholic Women (CCW), serving as both treasurer and president over the years. She was also a dedicated volunteer for the School Sisters of Notre Dame, serving on the Gala Committee, coordinating their annual garage sales, and participating in the Notre Dame health care auxiliary, serving as president for many years.

Shirley found great joy in nature. She loved sunsets, riding her bike, hiking in the woods, tending her flowers, and watching the wildlife that visited their backyard, and sharing this love with her family. Cardinals and hummingbirds were particular favorites. She also enjoyed reading, working on puzzles music, and cheering faithfully for the Minnesota Vikings. A devoted fan, she remained hopeful that someday she would see her Vikings win a Super Bowl.

Friendships were another important part of Shirley’s life. She valued time spent with the many friends she made over the years and felt their absence deeply as she outlived most of them.

Shirley received hospice services from St. Croix Hospice beginning in January 2025 and became particularly close to her nurse, Ellie. Due to failing health, Shirley moved to Oak Terrace Assisted Living in March 2026, where she remained until her death. She appreciated her caregivers and was gracious in accepting the care she received.

Shirley is survived by Gene, her husband of 70 years; their children, Steve (Dar) Brandt of Mankato, John (Shelley) Brandt of Eagle Lake, Sr. Julie Brandt, SSND, of New Ulm, and Beth (Douglas) Smith of Mankato.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jessica (Rob) Lee, Brian (Brianna) Brandt, Kelly (Dan) Rivers, Tara (Clay) Brown, Jackson Smith, and Chloe Smith; and her great-grandchildren, Brandt and Everett Lee, Nora, Louis, and Oliver Brandt, Anna and Allie Rivers, Jack and Vinny Wagner, and Savanna and Wyatt Brown.

Shirley is also survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Ann Wagner and her husband, Jerry, as well as her nieces and nephews: Mike Walsh, Cindy Franke, Jim Collins, Tim Collins, Doug Walsh, Dan Collins, Randy Walsh, and Sara Pfarr.

In her final days, Shirley longed to be reunited in death with her parents, Mathew and Margaret Walsh; her brother, Bill Walsh, and his wife, Lorraine; her sister, Kitty Jo Collins, and her husband, Dick; and other family and friends who had gone before her.

Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 17. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16, at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary and for one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Lunch and burial will follow the service.

Memorials are preferred to the School Sisters of Notre Dame or St. Croix Hospice.