Joel Henry Brandts

Joel Henry Brandts, age 63, of Mankato, Minnesota passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 8, 2024 in Mapleton, MN

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm, Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at the Mankato Mortuary, in Mankato. Memorial Mass will be at 11 am, Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in North Mankato, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at a later date. Livestreaming of the service will be available at www.mankatomortuary.com

Joel was the fifth child born to Joseph and Mathilda (Roelofs) Brandts of Garden City, MN on September 28, 1960 in Winnebago, MN. He graduated in the Class of 1979 from Wellcome Memorial High School in Garden City.

Joel was united in marriage to Teresa Neppl on April 16, 1982 in Sherburn, MN. He became a proud father to his daughter, Danielle, on April 8, 1984 and to his son, Kevin, on June 1, 1988.

Joel was a hardworking and dedicated crop producer and swine manager in Blue Earth County, beginning on the family farm in Garden City with his father, Joe, and brother, Paul. He later partnered with Dave and Lucas Keller of Mapleton, as well as managed sites for Stevermer Farms of Easton.

Fondly known as Joey (or Porky to some of his longtime friends), Joel was known for his beaming smile, his sincere kindness and his quick-witted sense of humor. His outgoing personality lifted one’s spirits, and he considered everyone he met a friend for life.

Joel was a God-loving gentle soul. He loved deeply and forgave graciously. He looked forward to any opportunity to socialize with family and friends, loved children and Hallmark movies, as well as appreciated a good book and some good bread with hagelslag (Dutch sprinkles). Throughout his life, his happy place was riding and training his many horses. He was proud of his Dutch heritage and was twice able to visit the Netherlands, where he had the chance to connect with his many aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as drink unlimited amounts of strong coffee.

Joel is survived by his wife of 42 years, Teresa; children, Danielle and Kevin; siblings, John (Debbie) of Echo, Marie (Ron Giving) Tipcke of Red Wing, Paul (Roxie) of Garden City, and Helen (Larry) Sexton of Janesville, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Joel was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Til; nephew, Matthew Sexton, and brother-in-law, Bruce Tipcke.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by

 Mankato Mortuary.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.