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Richard "Ralph" Brandt, 79, died Friday, November 16, 2007 after a long battle with Metastatic Colon Cancer which he fought with great courage as he did with many other obstacles in life. He enjoyed telling jokes and entertaining others even while taking Chemo Therapy and was an optimistic and courageous person. Born to Richard and Lydia Brandt in Illinois he came to Albuquerque as a child when his father came seeking a cure for Tuberculosis. Ralph was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church in which he was an active member for all his life. Ralph loved to draw pictures for the Students of Immanuel Lutheran School and he and his son, Sterling made a graduation poster for the 8th graders for many years. He was a graduate of Albuquerque High School and attended Browning School to learn telegraphy. He became a Telegraph Operator for the Santa Fe Railroad where he retired after 37 years. He was known by his co-workers as "Bear Cat". Mr. Brandt was also a union representative and an advocate for his fellow workers. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Ralph is survived by his wife of 43 years, Catherine; sons, Richard and Sterling, who affectionately called him the Big Bear; nieces, Carin Jones and Jill Healon and her family in California; nephew, David Flaig; many Stiegman cousins, Eugene Gaffner and Geraldine Twenhawful, all of Illinois, and many friends. The family would like to express a special thanks to the members of Immanuel Lutheran Church, also Pastor Walquist and Alan Geuder for their many visits, Presbyterian Hospice, Dr. Lin and his wonderful nurses, and the many friends and neighbors who were so gracious and helpful. Services will be held Saturday, November 24, 2007, 11:00 a.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 300 Gold SE, with Pastor Randy Walquist officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Friends may visit French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, Friday, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church or School, 300 Gold SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE (505) 843-6333 www.frenchmortuary.com
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