Melvin "Mike" Dean Brandt was born January 7, 1935, to Earl and Lily Brandt in Sturgis, SD. He graduated from Sturgis High School in 1953, attended the School of Mines for one year, and graduated from Rocky Mountain Technical School in Denver in 1956, returning to Sturgis and opening a TV sales and repair shop.
On July 2, 1955, Mike married his high school sweetheart "country girl" Virginia "Ginni" Ingalls. To this union were born one daughter, Dawn, and two sons, Paul and Greg.
After a couple business trips to Australia in the 60's, he and his family moved to Sydney, Australia, in 1970 where he was involved in developing TV systems in hi-rise hotels, hospitals, and even the Sydney Opera House. Upon returning to Sturgis in 1972, he began teaching electronics at Sturgis High School. Mike completed his education at USD Springfield earning a BS degree in education. He went on to teach electronics at Western Dakota Technical Institute for the next 25 years, retiring in 1997.
Mike served on the Sturgis city council from 1977 to 1979 and as Mayor from 1979 to 1981. He was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis where he was also an Elder. He also belonged to the Meade County Senior Citizen Association.
Mike, 84, Sturgis, died Monday, March 18, 2019, in the Lippold Hospice Suite at Sturgis Regional Hospital.
He is survived by his wife, Ginni; daughter, Dawn (Kim) Pfeifle, Pine Haven, WY; two sons, Paul (Amelia) Brandt, Lakeville, MN, and Greg (Denise) Brandt, Sturgis; nine grandchildren; eleven and ½ great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Ron Rehwald, Roseville, CA; nephew, Roger Rehwald and his family, Granite Harbor, CA; and niece, Rachel Rehwald-Merriam and her family, Alta Dena, CA. Mike will be missed by his many friends, Ingalls' in-laws, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jean Rehwald; several aunts and uncles; and brother-in-law, Calvin Stomprud.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 22, 2019, at First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis with Pastor Steve Talley officiating.      Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the church.
Memorials have been established to the Lippold Hospice Suite at Sturgis Regional Hospital and to the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis.

His kids shared some thoughts about their dad
From Dawn: Dad had a lot of favorite lines that our entire family has memorized. We frequently quote him at appropriate times. Now you can eat all the desserts you want, Dad, without worrying that "It'll make me fat and the girls won't like me."
From Paul: I have fond memories of life in Australia and appreciate the opportunity to experience travel and other cultures. I also treasure Dad teaching me to hunt and fish and love the outdoors. There are many good memories of Dad playing with his grandkids and their children.
From Greg: Later in his life, Dad preferred to spend most of his time at home. So much so that when he and Mom went out somewhere, he would always inquire prematurely whether Mom was ready to take him home. She would occasionally make him wait a little, but they usually went home before Mom was ready to go. Now there will be no conflict because Dad is truly "home."
Ginni adds: Even after his stroke, when he was trying to speak again, he clearly said to me, "Let's go!"

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