Dale Brandt , 75, longtime Granville area rancher, died Thursday, May 5, 2011, in a Velva nursing home.

Dale was born March 8, 1936, on the family farm near Upham, ND, the son of Henry and Cora (Grondahl) Brandt. He was raised there and received his formal education in country school. As a young adult he began working in the construction industry, setting power poles.

Dale was united in marriage to Beverly Cargo on October 26, 1961 at First Presbyterian Church in Towner, ND. They moved with his construction job for a couple of years until returning to North Dakota in 1964. For the next seven years, they resided on the Landon Joos ranch located near Granville until completing the purchase of a ranch located 5 miles east of Granville on Highway 2.

This became their family ranch. Their union was blessed with four children who assisted them with the operation of the ranch. Milking was part of the operation for 18 years before turning to beef cattle and horses as well. Dale was proud that each of his family could ride and spent many hours in the roping arena where many memories were made along with friendships that are cherished.

Dale was active in the community. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Towner, serving as a deacon. He was a 4-H leader for a number of years, volunteered as a fireman for the Granville Fire Department, served on the Soil Conservation Board for 15 years and was a member of the Simmental Association of ND. Dale was honored in 1977 with the Outstanding Achievement Award in Conservation and in 1997 as the Range Manager of the Year. He was awarded as an honorary Chapter Farmer by the Granville FFA and also was recognized as Friend of 4-H in McHenry County.

His loving family includes, his loving wife of 50 years, Beverly, rural Granville, ND; children, Terry (Nikki) Brandt, Shelby (Rhonda) Brandt, both of rural Granville, Stacy (Joey) Wald, Surrey, ND and Cody (Kevin) Hansen, rural Ryder, ND; grandchildren, Tanya, Shannon, Kinley, Jordan, Stetson, Landon, Brittney (Dave), Levi, Madison, Wyatt and Hadlie; step-grandchildren, Tate, Wyett and Dalton; sisters, Lois Degner, Bismarck, ND and Lana (Galen) Best, Denbigh, ND; brothers, Sherman (Ramona) Brandt, Minot, Ronnie (Dianna) Brandt, Upham, ND and Wesley (Dee) Brandt, Granville, ND and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Braxton Hansen and brother, Jerry Brandt.

Funeral service: 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 9, 2011, at the First Presbyterian Church, Towner, ND.
Visitation : Sunday, May 8, 2011, from noon until 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment : Union Cemetery, Towner, ND.