Michael G. Brand, 73, Princeton

March 17, 1942 - June 10, 2015

Michael Gordon Brand, age 73, of Princeton passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 10, 2015. He was born on March 17, 1942, in Princeton the son of Russell Gordon and Hilda Alyda (Tofte) Brand.

Michael was baptized at home in Princeton and was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Princeton. He graduated from Princeton High School in 1960. He served his country in the United States Air Force from 1960-1965. He married Patricia Kaiser and they were later divorced. He married Judy Vesely in 1980 and she died in 1991. He owned and operated Brand Manufacturing/North American Transit for over forty years. He volunteered as a fireman and was a city council member in Princeton form many years.

Survivors include his daughters, Sandy (Jim) Forster of Becker; Diane (Chuck) LaVigne of Foley; 6 grandchildren, Sheena (Ben) Meillier, Michael (Samantha) Rittenour, Katelyn Rittenour, Tabitha (Brent) Steinmetz, Zackary LaVigne, and Trisha (Chris) Bemboom, great grandchildren, Mackenzie, Bryson, Alexis, Jackson, Kensley, Kolton and an additional baby girl in August. He is also survived by his brother, Dennis (Shari Christensen) Brand of Mesa, AZ; soul mate, Marge Winkelman of Princeton and her children, Jennifer (Darrin) Fleury, Melissa (Scott) Cullen, Marge’s grandchildren, Samantha, Kelsey, Shane, Kyle, Emma, and Reese. Step children, Kari Vesely of Idaho, and Joshua Vesely of Princeton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother - Robert in 1966, son – Michael in 1971, and wife - Judy in 1991.

A visitation will be held from 1-6 PM with a service at 6PM Monday at the Williams Dingmann Funeral home in Princeton. Interment will be at Baldwin Cemetery in Baldwin Township.