Jan F. Brandt, age 82, of Frankfort, KS, passed away on February 4, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.

A funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the Frankfort United Methodist Church. Everyone is invited to the church basement immediately following the service, until 7:00 p.m., for a Celebration of Life. Those unable to attend the service are still warmly welcome to join the gathering. Pastor Stefani Nocktonick will officiate the service. The organist is Jody Turnbull and the vocalist is Angie Armstrong.

Honorary pallbearers will include his grandsons, Randyn Brandt, Zavier Brandt, Jaco Stampes, and Joah Stampes; brother-in-law, Leon Whitington; and nephew, Joshua Whitington.

I was born on January 20, 1944. It was January, so I assume it was cold. That detail has never been officially confirmed, but it seems likely.

My earliest memories are scattered across a few places. I vaguely remember living in California when I was about four or five years old. After that, my family moved to rural Missouri, somewhere near Concordia — about 60 miles east of Kansas City along I-70. For first grade, I attended a Lutheran school. We weren’t Lutheran, but apparently that’s where my mother decided I should go.

Most of my childhood was spent in a one-room country school. I’m not even sure there were other kids my age — I may have been the only one in my grade. One memory stands out: I once walked up to a very pretty girl and asked her for a kiss. She offered me a cookie instead. I declined the cookie. I did not get the kiss. Life lessons start early.

Eventually, we moved back to Concordia, Missouri, and later to a small town north of Chillicothe called Hale, Missouri. I attended school there until seventh grade. Halfway through that year, my family moved again — this time to Higginsville, Missouri — where I finished my schooling.

My dad was an ironworker. My mom worked in a garment factory. I learned early the value of hard work. During high school, I had a variety of jobs, starting with detasseling corn. I later worked as a movie projectionist and even repaired televisions — which probably explains a lot about my future.

I attended Central Missouri State College and earned a degree in physics and math. From there, I joined the United States Navy. I served six years and loved every minute of it. I tried to stay in, but in 1975 — as Vietnam was winding down — the Navy was shedding officers, and my request was denied.

After the Navy, I became a science and math teacher in Concordia, Missouri. After several years, I accepted a principalship at Lone Jack High School in Lone Jack, Missouri. Later, I moved to Frankfort, Kansas, where I served as high school principal from 1981 to 1985.

Somewhere in the middle of all that, I married the love of my life.

Linnea and I were married on May 4, 1968, and we shared 45 wonderful years together. Linnea was my rock. Everyone loved Linnea — everyone. People didn’t ask about me; they said, “Oh, that’s Linnea’s husband.” And that was just fine with me.

In January 2014, Linnea spent 31 days in hospice. During that time, she taught me how to die — with grace, acceptance, and peace. I hope I lived up to her example.

After leaving Frankfort, I tried to start a computer business. It worked… sort of. Turns out I was good with computers but not so great at selling them. I then took a position as an administrator with the Kansas City School District. I loved that job. I loved the kids. It opened my eyes to experiences I had never known, and it changed me for the better.

In November 1981, I joined the Kansas Army National Guard. I served for 23 years, retiring in 2004, which gave me nearly 30 years of total military service when combined with my Navy time. I loved the Guard. Truly loved it.

After retirement, I continued working as an IT consultant, mostly with Microsoft products — teaching, implementing, solving problems. It never felt like work to me.

That’s probably the best summary of my life: I liked what I did. If I didn’t like something, I didn’t do it. That applied to work, the military, and life in general. I always looked forward to the next day.

I should also mention my two incredible children. My daughter Tessa was born on July 24, 1969, in South Carolina while I was in the Navy — the same day astronauts splashed down after the first moon landing. My son Jeremy was born on Valentine’s Day 1972 in Concord, California, while I was stationed in San Francisco. I couldn’t have asked for better kids.

I was also blessed with seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren and a whole host of “adopted” grandchildren. You know who you are. I loved every one of you, and I couldn’t have asked for more.

The last years of my life were not easy. I struggled. But I made it. I tried every morning to thank God for waking me up and for the blessings I had. I tried not to complain — though I admit it got harder when I was down to three good toes and eight good fingers.

Still, I didn’t quit. I didn’t run. And when it came time, I accepted my death.

Don’t grieve for me. I had a wonderful life. I was blessed beyond measure. There is nothing sad here.

Celebrate my life.

Celebrate if I helped you.

Celebrate if I inspired you.

Celebrate if you couldn’t stand me.

It all works.

And if you need to shed a tear, go ahead — but get it over with.

Then go have a beer.

Shed a tear and have a beer.

That’s my motto.

Survivors include children, Tessa Brandt and Jeremy Brandt (Holly); grandchildren, Randyn (Madison), Jacy, Tegan, Kennen, Zavier, Jaco and Joah; great-grandchildren Ivy and Canaan; sister, Teresa (Kieth) Collison; brother, Gary (Jamie) Brandt; brother-in-law, Leon (Susan) Whitington; and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by loving wife, Linnea; parents, Marian and Emory Brandt; and stepmother, Faye Brandt.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Padden Funeral Chapel, c/o Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.