Mary Frances Brandel, age 72, of Brinktown, died Saturday, November 1, 2008, at St. Mary's Health Center. She was born on February 1, 1936, in St. Louis, daughter of Walter and Veronica Rowena (Derby) Knoke. On July 17, 1977, in St. Louis, she was married to Clemens Francis Brandel, who preceded her in death on October 26, 2006.

She retired from St. Anthony's Hospital in St. Louis and moved to Brinktown in 1987, where she and Clem built a house on his family farm. She was an avid reader, enjoyed working in her garden and watching wildlife on the farm. She was a member of the Guardian Angels Catholic Church.

Survivors include her close friends, James and Ruth Ann Miller and Vernon and Nancy Zimmer all of Brinktown.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, November 5, 2008, at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Brinktown. Msgr. Marion Makarewicz will officiate. Interment will be in Guardian Angels Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 10-11 A.M. on Wednesday at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Guardian Angels Catholic Church.