Marie Louise Brandel, age 92 of New Ulm entered into eternal rest on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Sleepy Eye Care Center in Sleepy Eye.

Funeral service will be 10 am on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home-South Chapel in New Ulm.

Father Mark Steffl will officiate the service, and burial will follow in the St. George Catholic Cemetery in St. George.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Sunday, January 4th, and continue from 9-10 am on Monday, January 5th all at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home-South Chapel in New Ulm.

She is survived by her daughters, Helene Decker, Cynthia Brandel, MeLora (Pete) Ramos, JoEllen (Robert) Fischer; her son, Charles J. (Jodi) Brandel; her sister, Helen (Lynn) Olson; her sister-in-law, Phyllis Kenning; her 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George J. Brandel with whom she shared 49 years of marriage; her parents, John, and Helen Kenning; her sister, and brother-in-law, Ramona, and Ed Danhouser; her brother Elray Kenning, her daughter, Valerie Somerson; her granddaughter, MeLissa (Decker) Knaub; and her son-in-law, Tim Decker.

To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Marie Louise Kenning was born August 22, 1933, in New Ulm to John and Helen (Unverworn) Kenning. She grew up in New Ulm and was a 1951 graduate of New Ulm High School. Marie continued her education later in life at Mankato Technical College, where she proudly earned her degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1990, a reflection of her lifelong desire to care for others. On September 17, 1952, Marie was united in marriage to George J. Brandel in New Ulm. Their marriage was blessed with five daughters and one son, and together they built a home centered on family, faith, and hard work. Marie devoted her professional life to nursing, serving residents and patients at Divine Providence Care Center in Sleepy Eye, Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm, and through home health care with Golden Home Care Plus of New Ulm. Her compassion and gentle presence were felt by all those she cared for.

Outside of her work, Marie found joy in keeping her hands busy. She loved quilting and crocheting, creating countless items that were shared with family and friends and will be treasured for years to come. Music was another constant in her life, and she especially enjoyed spending time dancing and listening to old-time and country music. Marie was a devout and faithful member of St. George Catholic Church, where she was actively involved with the Catholic Council of Women.

Above all else, Marie's greatest love was her family. Nothing brought her more happiness than time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She followed their lives closely, celebrated their milestones, and offered steady encouragement, prayers, and unconditional love. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she delighted in every moment she shared with them. Marie's legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the love she poured into her family who will carry her memory with them always.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.