Joanne L. (Jensen) Brandt, age 71, of Flower Mound, TX, formerly of Galva, passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at her home of Flower Mound, TX.  A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 28, 2016 at 1:30 PM at the Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Home of Holstein with the Rev. Paul D. Egger officiating.  Burial will be at the Galva Township West Cemetery of Galva.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service starting at 12:30 PM at the funeral home. 

Joanne Lynn (Jensen) Brandt was born in Holstein, Iowa on March 5, 1945. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family in her Flower Mound, TX home on October 22, 2016 after being diagnosed two months ago with gallbladder cancer and is now with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Joanne graduated from Galva High School in 1962.  She has two children, Don Brandt, Jr. from Oakville, Ontario, Canada and Kris Vaughn from Dallas, TX.

Her children were foremost in her life, and she worked very hard to support them. When living in Lake View, IA she worked at a number of jobs (popcorn plant, waitress, dry cleaners, Dr. Durst’s office, Contel).  Joanne’s 25-year career at Contel / GTE / Verizon began as a Customer Service Representative. Over the years, she was promoted to positions in Iowa locations (Knoxville, Chariton, Newton) and then to the GTE World Headquarters in Dallas, TX in 1992.

Highlights of her career included implementing the GTE billing system from Caracus, Venezula, as well as Tampa, FL. Ultimately, she received the prestigious Verizon President’s award prior to retiring in 2003 as Manager of Bill Design.

Upon retirement, Joanne needed to keep busy and began working in 2007 for The Strategic Solution as their data-entry consultant. She loved every challenge that was presented to her and the people she worked with worldwide even more. As if this wasn’t enough, she also became a Scentsy consultant.

Joanne had a presence that radiated a maternal instinct and all those who were lucky enough to meet her called her “Grandma Jo”.  She identified as Grandma Jo in every aspect of her life: Scentsy website address, Christmas letters, bright yellow luggage strap, etc.  She was introduced to everyone as Grandma Jo.

She organized, planned, and funded many family trips with food and crafts for her grandkids to enjoy. Visits to Grandma Jo’s house always included fun events and special memories for her beloved grandkids.

During her 24 years in Flower Mound she built three beautiful homes. She was an avid gardener and was recognized with Yard of the Month in Newton and twice in Flower Mound.  Joanne didn’t see a rock she didn’t like. Grandma Jo loved to decorate for the holidays at home and in the office.  She inherited the love of baking from her dear mother, Lois. Her specialty was cinnamon rolls that covered a plate.

Joanne is survived by her son, Don Brandt, Jr. (Susan) and daughter Kris Brandt Vaughn (Trent). Grandma Jo’s grandchildren:  Emily, Naia, Reed Brandt of Oakville and Grant, Grace Vaughn of Dallas;  sister, Judy (Darrell) Murray of Naples, FL; brother, Jon (RoxAnne) Jensen of Galva, IA and sister-in-law Jean Jensen of Spirit Lake, IA.

She is preceded in death by an infant son, Brian; father, Russell Jensen; mother, Lois Shelldorf Jensen; and brother, Jerry Jensen along with various uncles, aunts, and grandparents.

She was a faithful member of Lamb of God Lutheran Church for years and performed many helpful duties for the ministry of the church. Memorials can be sent to Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Flower Mound directed toward the matching money for the music ministry addition.

 Service Information