Audrey Louise Brandt

Audrey Louise Brandt, age 93, passed away on June 9, 2025, at The Heritage in Appleton. She was born on August 20, 1931, to Edwin and Floy (Dennis) Boettcher. She spent her childhood in Appleton with her brother Cliff. Having graduated from Appleton High School, she went on to attend the University of Wisconsin, Madison where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education and furthered her educational pursuits at UW Stevens Point earning her master’s degree. It was while on a blind date that she met the love of her life. In 1956 she married Robert “Bob” Brandt, and they enjoyed 59 years together until his death in 2015. Due to Bob’s military service, immediately following their wedding, the couple moved to Germany for a year. They returned to the States and spent 6 years in Galien and Three Oaks Michigan before moving back to Appleton in 1963. Audrey spent her professional career teaching Home Economics.

Audrey loved to play bridge. She enjoyed the competitive nature of the comradery with her friends. She enjoyed sewing, crafting, baking, cooking and overall caring for her family. Audrey and Bob enjoyed traveling and were able to visit and explore many places in the U.S. as well as many countries overseas. Her faith was very important to her, and she enjoyed volunteering at church as well as with United Reading for Success, P.E.O., and enjoyed community work. Her family was her main focus, and she was the biggest cheerleader for her children and her grandchildren. She made a point to attend every game, recital, and event that she could so she could cheer them all on.

Audrey loved live bands, especially the UW Badger band and the Appleton City Band. She also enjoyed attending concerts headlined by her son-in-law’s various bands. She relished in the joy they provided and the energy they imbued. A passionate Badger and Packer fan, Audrey seldom missed a game by either team. She especially enjoyed watching football and basketball.

Audrey lived by a mantra that reflected her life: Patience, Gratitude and Acceptance.

Audrey is survived by her daughters: Deborah (Jay) Hodson, Kathryn (Jen Rinehart) Brandt; grandchildren, Alison (Nate) Miller, Emilee (Steven) Lehman, and Matthew Hodson; great grandchildren: Kaydance, Jade, Henlee, Brynnley, and Raelynn as well as other family members. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob, her parents, and her brother Clifford (Lucille) Boettcher.

A celebration of life will take place Saturday July 19, 2025, at 11:00am at First United Methodist Church, 325 E Franklin Street, Appleton. Friends and family may gather at the church from 9:30am until the service begins. In honor of Audrey’s love of the Badgers, we would love to see a sea of Badger red at the service. Please wear your favorite Badger gear or red apparel.

Audrey’s family would like to thank ThedaCare Hospice, The Heritage and all those who caringly and faithfully visited her in the last months of her life.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Appleton Education Foundation or First United Methodist Church in Audrey’s name.