Barbara “Barb” A. Brandt, 75, of Unadilla, passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Syracuse Hospital. She was born on August 27, 1949, in Kearney, NE, to Lorin C. and Imogene (Baumgartner) Knapp.

Barb was active in high school, participating in diving, baton twirling, various clubs and serving as a drum majorette.  She was a proud alum of Kearney High.  She went on to earn a BA from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. While there she was active in Gamma Phi Beta Sorority.  She met Bob through his Delta Upsilon fraternity functions.  On January 23, 1971, she married Robert “Bob” Brandt at the United Methodist Chapel on the UNL campus.

After college, Barb worked as a physical education teacher for two years in Stuart, Iowa.  Then they decided that Bob would join his father at the First National Bank of Unadilla (now Countryside Bank).  Following the birth of her son Barry in 1976, she devoted herself to being a full-time mother.  Transporting, volunteering and supporting Barry & Betsy at every girl scout meeting, dance lesson, gymnastic practice, karate, skateboard board park and numerous sports.  Barb was their biggest (and loudest) cheerleader and it was her most important ‘work’ that she did.  Later, she began working as a bank clerk, a role she held for over 30 years.  She loved and cherished the friendships she formed with the employees at the bank.

Barb was a dedicated member of the community, actively participating in the Unadilla Jaycees, later known as the Women of Today. She bowled regularly with the "Groundhog Gals" on Thursdays, Yoga on Wednesdays in Unadilla and enjoyed many memorable trips with Bob through the Nebraska Bankers Association.  Some of her favorites included Palm Springs, Hilton Head and Hawaii.  She was also a longtime member of the Paisley Pitch Players and those friends became extended family.  Barb attended every one of her 5 grandchildren’s activities even it meant driving to Crete in the early afternoon to see Cole & Jack play basketball or golf….then rounding out the evening at Midland, Concordia or Syracuse just in time for kick-off or the whistle to be blown at the Brandt boys’ wrestling matches.  Barb’s abundant energy, pride and deep love for her family, especially her 5 grandsons was unmatched.  In her ‘spare’ time you could find her in Kearney at a play, movie or restaurant with her youngest brother and best friend, Jeff.

She is survived by her husband Bob Brandt, children Barry (Carrie) Brandt, Betsy Pavelka; grandchildren Burton, Barret, Brody Brandt, Cole & Jack Pavelka; brother Jeffrey C. Knapp; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Joan (Merl) Harder, Karen Hassler, Jane (John) Weber; 7 nieces and nephews and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Greg and brother-in-law Bruce Hassler.

A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, May 13 at 1:00 p.m. at the Unadilla Community Center, with a reception at Mal’s Bar and Grill in downtown Unadilla to follow.

The service will be livestreamed on the Fusselman Facebook page.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 12 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the funeral home in Syracuse. It will then continue in the Unadilla Community Center Gym from 6-8 p.m. with family. There will be no viewing due to Barb’s wishes.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Unadilla Area Fund, a subsidiary of the Nebraska Community Foundation, FBO Unadilla Park & Arboretum and the Unadilla Community Center.

Arrangements By: Fusselman Allen Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse

Condolences to www.fusselmanallenharvey.com