Stella Brandes

Stella E. Brandes, 84, of California, passed away Sunday, October 3, 2010, in the presence of her family at St. Mary's Health Center, Jefferson City. Stella was born March 9, 1926, the daughter of Fred and Emilia (Frieling) Bosau. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Lone Elm, where she was baptized and confirmed and remained a lifelong member of the Ladies' Aid. Stella attended grade school at Zion Lutheran School, Lone Elm, and graduated from Bunceton High School in 1944. In 1945, she was married at the First Lutheran Church in Boston, Mass., to Marvin Brandes, who had joined the U.S. Navy. She was a nurse in Boonville for 20 years and then did private nursing before leaving the nursing field and went to work with Toastmasters in Boonville for seven years. Stella was a devoted partner and loving wife to Marvin, helping him on their dairy farm until they retired to Bunceton in 1985. They then moved to California in 2005 to be closer to family. Stella loved to fish and hunt, even later in life, when she would join her sons and grandchildren. She was always active in her church where she was famous for her cookie donations to the kids at school. Stella never met a stranger, she enjoyed life to the fullest. She was a loving mother and grandmother, neighbor and friend. She is survived by a sister, Helen Rohr; a brother, Fred Bosau; two sons, Dale Brandes and wife Carla of Centertown, and David Brandes and wife Sharon of Warsaw; a daughter -in-law, Marjorie Brandes of Wentzville; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Stella was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Brandes in 2006; her sons, Richard E. and Earl; a sister, Frances Bayer; and a brother, George Bosau. Vistation for Stella will be today, Tuesday, October 5, 2010, from 5-7 p.m. at Davis Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be at Zion Lutheran Chuch in Lone Elm on Wednesday, October 6, 2010, with Pastor Paul Weisenborn officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Memorials are requested to Zion Lutheran Church or Zion Lutheran School, Lone Elm. Friends may pay respects online at www.davisfuneralcha pelboonville.com.