George H. Brandes

George H. Brandes, 93, of Elmore, Ohio, died Wednesday evening at Riverview Healthcare Campus, Oak Harbor, Ohio. He was born in Elmore on October 1, 1914, a son of the late Charles & Emma (Villhauer) Brandes. George was a 1932 graduate of the former Elmore High School. In 1936, he graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. On September 9, 1939, George married the former Bertha "Bertie" Yost, and she preceded him in death on April 16, 2007. A lifelong member of St. John's United Church of Christ, Elmore, he held many offices in the church including president of the church council. George was a member and past master of the former Portage Lodge, F. & A.M., Elmore, and was a charter member and past president of the Elmore Kiwanis. He was also a charter member of Sugar Creek Golf Course. George was an ardent Ohio State fan, played the trumpet, and loved to garden, golf, and fish. He was also a music lover, and greatly enjoyed spending time with his family. George and Bertie were extensive travelers and visited all 50 states, and 6 continents. George and his cousin, Loren Trautman, were the long time owners of the former Brandes & Trautman Packing, Inc., and were known for their fine quality meats and frozen food locker in downtown Elmore. He retired in 1981. George is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth "Beth" (John) Pattison, Rockville, MD, Nancy (Jack) Boone, Willits, CA, and Brenda (Frank) Blatnik, Powell, OH; grandchildren, Jeff (Linda) Pattison, Dan (Carmel) Pattison, Scott (Michelle) Blatnik, and Betsy (Dave Davis) Blatnik; great-grandchildren, Max Davis, and Katie Marie Blatnik. A celebration of George's life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 27, 2008 at St. John's United Church of Christ, Elmore, where the family will receive friends after 10:00 A.M. Saturday. Rev. Karl K. Whiteman and Rev. John W. Bock will officiate, and interment will be in Harris-Elmore Union Cemetery. A luncheon for family and friends will be held at the church following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund of St. John's United Church of Christ or to a charity of the donor's choice. Crosser Funeral Home, Elmore, is handling arrangements for the family. Funeral Home: Crosser Funeral Home - Elmore Chapel 451 E. Rice Street Elmore, OH