Willard Lee Brandenburg, 97, of Montgomery City, MO, died on Friday, October 18, 2019 at the Harry S. Truman Veterans Hospital in Columbia, MO.

Willard Lee Brandenburg was born September 6, 1922, in Montgomery City, MO, to John T. Brandenburg and Ida Mae Bryant Brandenburg. He was a Veteran of the United States Army serving in Naples Foggia, Rome - Arno-Northern Apenniens – PO Valley. He received four bronze stars for campaigns and was awarded the good conduct medal. Mr. Brandenburg married Mildred M. Gruber on May 19, 1946 in St. Charles, MO, and have been married over 73 wonderful years. Mr. Brandenburg owned and operated his own trucks for years and later worked for Associated and for Complete Auto Transit until he retired. He was a member of the Montgomery County VFW Post, enjoyed raising cattle and owning a team of mules with his brother, Andy. Mr. Brandenburg enjoyed visiting with all his family and friends.

Mr. Brandenburg is survived by his "sweet girl" of over 73 years, Mildred M. Gruber Brandenburg of Montgomery City, MO; four children: John William Brandenburg of Montgomery City, MO; Willard Paul Brandenburg and wife, Judy, of Montgomery City, MO; Robert Eugene Brandenburg and wife, Julie, of Montgomery City, MO; and Deborah Ann Brandenburg Boles and husband, Kenneth, of Columbia, MO; eleven grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Margaret "Mart" Etter, Wanda Robinson, Ester Blom, Patricia "Dink" Aguilar and husband, Sal; Donna Devlin; Henry "Pat" Gruber, Bill Gruber and John Gruber; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mr. Brandenburg was preceded in death by his parents, John T. and Ida Mae Bryant Brandenburg; and his siblings: Lottie Mae Carpenter, Homer Brandenburg, Mack Brandenburg, Emily McCoy, Dorothy Stumbaugh and Andy Brandenburg.

Funeral services were held at NOON on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, MO. The Reverend Kenneth Cleeton officiated and interment with full military honors was in the Montgomery City Cemetery. Visitation was held from 10:00 AM until the time of service on Tuesday at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, MO. Casketbearers included Steve Brandenburg, Tanner Brandenburg, Michael William Brandenburg, Peter J. Brandenburg, Larry Hilkemeyer, and Jerry Hilkemeyer.  Honorary casketbearers included Calvin Bishop, Eddie Woods, and Henry "Pat" Gruber.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Montgomery County Senior Center or to the Montgomery VFW Post, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO 63361.