Mark Allen Brandt

On December 1, 2020, one of the kindest souls in the world passed away unexpectedly in the state of California. Mark Allen Brandt, age 48, of Allendale, was born on December 10, 1971, in Zeeland, Michigan. He was a graduate of Hudsonville High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from Baker College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and was actively pursuing a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from Grand Valley State University at the time of his death. He leaves behind a beautiful wife, Maria (Mora) Brandt; and six wonderful children, Brittany Murray, James Murray, Joey Murray, Jacob Brandt, Jayden Brandt, and Holly Brandt; his parents, William and Patricia Brandt; brother and sister and their children, William Jr. and Heidi Brandt (Cecelia), Debra and Charles Bateman (Logan, Elizabeth, Micah, and Aliyah). He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Edward and Pearl Brandt, and Peter and Florence Schneider. Mark was a retired military veteran. He proudly and actively served his country for 20 years as a member of the United States Air Force. He served in the USAF Civil Engineering Prime Beef unit 927, rank E7, Master Sergeant. He was a true gentleman that would do anything for anyone. Mark was a selfless man and will be missed by many. They say, “the good die young”, and the world lost one of the best. Mark was a family man. He enjoyed watching his children play sports, camping with his family, hunting with the guys, and traveling. He was active in his church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the Grand Valley Ward. He also served several years on the Hudsonville Community Fair Board. He supported and loved his wife and helped her build and establish her massage therapy business. Together, they were seeking to give back to the community by establishing a nonprofit to help fellow veterans cope with chronic pain and P.T.S.D. syndrome through participation in a program called Veterans Helping Veterans. Mark left this world and his family suddenly while traveling to California to help care for his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Sally and Jesse Mora of Stockton, California. Mark never hesitated to do what needed to be done for his family or his country, believing and living out the motto “leave no man behind”. A private family funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2780 Leonard St. NE, Grand Rapids, with Bishop Neal Buckwalter officiating. The service will be broadcast live. To join in the service virtually, follow the link https://zoom.us/j/2366962747?pwd=ZlZKLzZObkp5alh4NG0wbW5CdEIzQT09. The meeting ID is 236 696 2747 and the passcode is 062293. A graveside service with military honors will be held at Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Tuesday, December 29, from 5-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to help cover Mark’s final expenses. These can be made through: gofund.me/24f35094 or gofund.me/31fd5043 or Maria-Mora-140 (Venmo). Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com.