John Leonard Brand

John Leonard Brand of Rockford, Illinois passed away peacefully on April 10, 2024. John, a farm boy from Southern Illinois, served in the Army before settling in Rockford with his wife, Mary.

John and Mary celebrated 62 years of marriage. It was quite a partnership. John built and Mary was quality control. Their “discussions” became affectionately known in the family as the John and Mary show.

John’s childhood friend, Wayne Loos, also came north for work. The two friends married sisters and lived within a mile of each other their entire lives. The duo had many adventures fixing and repairing anything around their homes, but also helping others. Ask John or Wayne, what they were doing as they contemplated the job before them - the answer was always “cussing and discussing.”

After moving north, John found himself in a ditch. Walking to the nearest farm, he asked for help. What he really found was a second family. The Dorn’s folded John and his young family into theirs. Oh how he loved them and being back in the fields on a tractor. 

When John wanted to upgrade his house, he hired a carpenter to teach him how to build a house on his own. John went on to build 2 more houses for his family all while working full-time. After working with John, one of the tradesmen observed that there is a right way, a wrong way and John’s way. He offered John a job, because let’s be honest, John’s way was usually right!

A machinist by trade, John made parts for aerospace for decades. This suited his personality since he fixed the parts from automated machines that needed rework. His precision skills later transferred into woodworking. There was always a project in the workshop from kitchen cabinets to furniture. If you knew John, you probably have something he made.

After he retired, John decided he would learn to make the food he liked. His oatmeal cookies, pies, and caramel corn were second to none. When the weather was fit, you would find him outside on his John Deere with his sidekick Jackie dog. If you were walking by, he was never too busy for a chat about tractors, cars, and the weather. He especially loved the visits with his nephew Kenny and Paula. 

John, who had an amazing sense of direction, was always up for a trip - preferably a road trip. 

He was a quiet man, who left a legacy of loving God, his family, helping others, and enjoying an adventure, especially with Angela. 

The proud father of a Navy sailor, John joined David on a tiger cruise.  John became a father to his son-in-law, Bryan, and best friend to another southern farm boy, Dallas Kellerman. He could be found out to breakfast with his neighbor, Dave. Between the two of them, they knew everything happening in their corner of the world. John loved his neighbors and his neighbors loved him.

His greatest role was grandpa. He taught  Annamarie  and Melissa to drive a tractor, made them pancakes, dished up ice cream for breakfast, sat through a record number of recitals and performances, and danced at their weddings. 

Remember John and his smile when you eat a bowl of ice cream - he recommends butter pecan, or wear red - his favorite color, or see a John Deere tractor in the field.

He is survived by his wife Mary, his children Angela (Bryan) Dishner, their daughters: Melissa (Zach) Madell, and Annamarie (Dustin) Troyer. David (Kelli) Brand their daughter: Ronnica (David) Wells; his sister Mary Helen (Ernie) Dalman, sister-in-law Susan Brand. Many nieces and nephews. John’s brother, Chuck Brand, predeceased him.

The family will be hosting a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his honor to either:

The Rockford Rescue Mission 715 West State Street, Rockford, IL 61102 

The Hospice Care Center 10000 Serenity Lane SE, Huntsville, Alabama 35803

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