Barbara Brandon

Barbara E. Brandon passed away July 30, 2023 in Winona, Minnesota.

Barbara Ellen Mulhair was born June 3, 1932 to Mabel and John Edward Mulhair, the youngest of eight children and grew up on a farm in Parker, SD.

She married David K. Brandon on May 19, 1952 and graduated from Presentation College in Aberdeen, SD as a registered nurse in 1954. After graduation, she worked at McKennan Hospital and “Mom and Dad’s”, a nursing home owned by her sister Maxine.

Barb and Dave worked well as a team, especially at the time Dave was pursuing his college degree. This was accomplished while both were working and raising six children. They instilled a strong work ethic in their kids making sure they always pitched in with housework, cooking and cleaning. The reward being trips to the lake enjoying family time and learning to ski and fish.

In 1968 they moved to Winona when Dave accepted a position with the Watkins Company. Soon after, Barb began working at the Winona Clinic as a nursing supervisor and was a dedicated and caring nurse for 24 years. She was a nurturing mother who was always ready to diagnose and treat family illness or injury with her Medical Desk Reference book and stock of medicines close by.

Barb and Dave moved to Buffalo City, WI in 1983 and enjoyed living on the river. They spent winters in Tucson, AZ and were able to spend time with Patty and Linda and their families. Family reunions were important to Barb, as her children spread across the US. The first one held in 1989 at Flanagan’s Resort (owned by Linda).

Family reunions took the family to the Bahamas, Virginia, North Carolina, Maine, Colorado, Ohio, Missouri, Florida, Maryland, Tennessee and of course Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Most of all, Barb enjoyed time with her grandchildren, great grandchildren and many friends. She was a fun loving, very active grandma and so proud of her BK5K first place award at age 80+. She loved to tell a good story, travel, dance and was always ready for happy hour!

Barb is survived by her children; Patty Doyle, Cathy Rohde, Jeff (Sara) Brandon, Jim (Diane) Brandon, Linda Flanagan, Joe (Lori) Brandon and honorary son Paul Hengel, and grandchildren; Michael (Samantha) Doyle, Sara (Matt) Shinker, Jason Rohde, Chris (Pouneh) Brandon, Kyle (Courtney) Brandon, Kelly (Paul) Brandon, Trent Brandon, Marly Brandon, Maddie (Charlie) Marschall, Casey (Amber) Flanagan, Michelle Flanagan, Hunter, Anna and David Brandon, and nine great grandchilden.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, her husband David, son in law Randy Rohde and special friend, Alex Baptie.

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association or the ALS Association.

Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview, with Fr. Bob Stamschror officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

To view the livestream of Barb's service, please follow this link:

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY5Mzk2NTcwMDI3MDMzNSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==