With deep sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Clifford Allen Brandenburg, age 77, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Clifford left this earthly realm on July 29, 2023, to be with his son Brian and Jesus, his Lord and Savior.
Born April 26, 1946, in Central City, Nebraska to John Henry Brandenburg and Sylvia Bell (Gries) Brandenburg, Cliff was the baby of ten and the last living child of John and Sylvia. Prematurely born, Cliff was tiny when John and Sylvia brought him home. Cliff’s cradle was a shoe box placed inside a dresser drawer. Unfortunately, John passed away when Cliff was four, in 1951, and Sylvia followed, when Cliff was ten, in 1957. One of Cliff’s sisters and her husband, Butch and Joanne Butcher, graciously agreed to raising Cliff as one of her own.
Cliff had fond memories of earning his Eagle Scout award with three palms prior to graduating from Central City High School, Nebraska. After graduation, Cliff pursued a career in cross country driving for Buck with Allied Van Lines out of Grand Island, Nebraska. He drove for Allied Van Lines for over 16 years. During his time off he enjoyed spending weekends with his siblings, especially his two sisters Phyllis and Joann. Family was important to him.
Cliff married Janis Billington-Helms June 20, 1970, and together they had a son, Brian Allen Brandenburg born November 4, 1971. Though their paths later diverged, he remained devoted to his son and considers Janis’ additional children, Lisa (Rick) Kasal and Jamie Brandenburg, as his own. Janis and Cliff remained friends until the end. Cliff continued trucking. He met and married Helen and together they had Eric. Unfortunately, Cliff lost contact with Eric, through the divorce, and we have no way of reaching him today.
In 1985, Cliff met his soul mate, Kathy (Huss) Brandenburg. Together, they were united in matrimony on February 20, 1987. Cliff was the stepfather to Ben, Jenny, and Jessica Clarke. Together they built a life and had Stacy Rice born February 4, 1989. Cliff was working for Dohrn Transfer out of Ankeny, Iowa when he decided to leave the life of cross country driving to perform his fatherly duties. He continued to work for Dohrn within Iowa until retirement in 2012.
Cliff enjoyed listening to oldies on 93.3 KIOA. He especially liked Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond and Nebraska Huskers. He enjoyed the company of his family and friends. On outings, Cliff enjoyed relaxing and people watching. Secretly, Cliff’s favorite time was spending all day at his booth in the Southridge Hy-Vee cafe. He enjoyed talking about his children while showing pictures of his grandchildren. He made many friendships there which later developed into a second family for Cliff.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Cliff’s most significant accomplishment was being a devoted father and grandfather. With boundless love and care, Cliff provided unwavering support. Cliff’s heart overflowed with love for his grandchildren and loved receiving their pictures. He took every opportunity to travel to Nebraska to visit Brian, the grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Cliff took immense pride in his daughter Stacy, who became a nurse. He frequently sought her advice on his own health matters, placing great trust in her opinion. He also took great pride in his son Brian who later followed in his father’s footsteps as a cross-country truck driver. The two spent many hours reminiscing about their over-the-road experiences.
Cliff is survived by his wife, of 36 years, Kathy Brandenburg; daughter Stacy (Jesse) Rice, grandchildren Elizabeth, Andrew, and Katelynn Rice; daughter-in-law, Teresa Brandenburg; grandchildren Bradley, Brianna (Steve), Travis (Jessica), Gabriel (Creed);great grandchildren Abbigail, Terry, Aubri, Rose, Harleigh, Anthony, Brent, Harper, Josslyn, Skylar, Phoenix, SJ, Jerzee, Logan, and Nevaeh; step-kids Ben Clarke, Jenny Clarke, Jessica (Gary) Bishop; grandchildren Jennelle (Terrence), Jeffrey (Theresa), Timothy, Wyatt, Ryan, Victorya, and Abigayle; great grandchildren Leon, Sebastian, and Jerrelle; and numerous friends and family.
Proceeding him in death were his parents John and Sylvia Brandenburg, his beloved son Brian Brandenburg, his brothers Earl, Glen, Johnny, Leo and sisters, Phyllis aka Jane Korth, Vera aka Toots Lawson, Lone Zabava, Elizabeth aka Betty or JoAnn (Butch/Lawrence) Butcher, his father and mother-in-law Fred and Henrietta Huss, nephews, and several other family members and friends.
The family extends their heartfelt love and appreciation to Cliff’s second family at Dohrn Transfer and Southridge Hy-Vee. They would also like to recognize and thank all the staff at Iowa Lutheran Hospital for the compassionate and loving care provided to Cliff during his final hours. Your kindness will forever be remembered.
Per Cliff’s wishes his grandsons will be his pallbearer’s: Bradley Thompson, Travis Brandenburg, Timothy Bruns, Jeffrey Robinson, Wyatt Daniels, Ryan Bishop, and Andrew Rice. Cliff’s honorary pallbearers are his son-in-law Jesse Rice, his nephew Mark Brandenburg, friend Rick Bland, and a few from his extended Hy-Vee family Pam, Matt, J.B, Ben, and Rick.
Due to family circumstances, funeral services will be held on a later date at Middle River Friends Church. A visitation will be held at Middle River Friends Church 4057 S 23 Hwy, Carlisle, Friday, August 18th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The funeral will be held Saturday, August 19th 10:30 a.m. with luncheon to follow the service. At 2 p.m. a small graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens 7601 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321.
The family kindly requests donations in Cliff’s memory to the playground fund at Middle River Friends Church 4057 S 23 Hwy Carlisle, IA 50047, or family camp fund at East Iowa Bible Camp 1433 CR-F52 Deep River, IA 52222.
