John Brandner

Rev. John J. Brandner, 95, of Freeport, IL, has gone to be with his Lord and Savior on June 20, 2024. He was born November 16, 1928 in LaSalle, IL to John and Linda (Trump) Brandner. At the age of 17 John was saved at 1st Baptist Church in LaSalle, IL. He went on to graduate from Moody Bible Institute in 1957. After graduating, he was ordained at Calvary Baptist Church of Highland, IN in 1958 with 1st Baptist Church of Lasalle and the church he was pastoring at the time, Calvary Baptist Church of East Gary, IN. John had been in ministry for 41 years, which included Calvary Baptist Church in East Gary, IN, 1st Baptist Church in Chelan, WA, Clover Creek Baptist Church in Tacoma, WA, Trinity Baptist Church in El Cerrito, CA, Calvary Baptist Church in San Luis Obispo, CA, Memorial Baptist Church in Peoria, IL, Grace Baptist Church in East Moline, IL, and Calvary Baptist Church in Pontiac, IL, where he retired on June 1, 1998. His memberships included Burden Bearer Chairman of the Council of 10, treasurer of Camp Manitoumi, and he served on the Corporate Board of the Spurgeon Baptist Bible College. Prior to his ministry, John served in the Illinois National Guard from October 20, 1947-October 19, 1951 in the Co. L, 129th Infantry, and 44th Infantry Division, LaSalle, IL, with honorable discharge.

John married Betty Elliot on July 3, 1948 at 1st Baptist Church in LaSalle, IL. Betty passed away December 22, 1996. On November 15, 1997 he married Twyla (Wise) Kuehlemeyer at Calvary Baptist Church in Pontiac, IL. Twyla passed away August 29, 2017.

He is survived by his son Terry Brandner of Mt. Morris, IL; daughter Sandra “Sandi” Wilson of Mendota, IL; two brothers Don Brandner of Mendota, IL and Jim Brandner of Iowa; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Preceding John in death are his parents, two wives, and four sons John “Jack”, Glenn, Robert “Bob”, and Jeffrey “Tiger”.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday June 29, 2024 at Zion Church in Freeport with Pastor Steve Rios officiating. A visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Burial will be the following Monday July 1, 2024 at Memorial Park Cemetery, Pontiac, IL. A memorial has been established in John’s memory.