Cecil Brandis Sr., age 93, of White River, passed away on November 10, 2017. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at the United Methodist Church in White River. Burial will follow at the White River Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Cecil LeRoy Brandis, Sr was born June 13, 1924 in Hot Springs, SD to John (Jack) and Martha (Ryan) Brandis and passed away on November 10, 2017. Cecil spent most of his life in the White River, SD area but also lived for a short time in Nebraska and Wyoming. Cecil married Martha Bechtold in 1944 and to this union, five children were born: Jr., Robert, Terry, Theresa and Julie.

Cecil was trained as a Dodge-Plymouth Master Technician and well known throughout the area as the "go to guy" for small engine repair. He was also skilled in construction and television/radio repair. Cecil worked for the state of South Dakota Department of Transportation and retired in 1987 after more than 28 years of service. He was often commended for his strong work ethic and ability to get things done.

Knowing what a hard and responsible worker their Dad was, Cecil's children found particular humor in a letter they found written in 1945 that Cecil was disqualified from serving in the army not because of physical disqualifications but for his "bad attitude and irresponsibility".

Cecil was a talented musician and played guitar in a local band that performed at area dances for many years. He loved to play and listen to country music and watch old westerns. He enjoyed horses and tried his hand at ranching for a short time. He also had a life-long interest in cars and motorcycles and was known to have more than a few "close calls" in this area. Cecil also was known to donate to various causes and would often decline any recognition for these kind acts. He enjoyed animals and was especially fond of feeding birds and squirrels.

In later years, Cecil enjoyed driving around the countryside with his daughter, sons or grandsons. He was known to insist on cruising for hours at a time and reluctant to get out of the pick-up when he got home unless he was good and ready.

Cecil was preceded in death by his siblings—Sister, Mildred Wilson; Brothers-Don and Melvin Brandis, Hans and Marvin Davis and step-brother Clarence Lockwood; his infant daughter Theresa; and spouses Martha Brandis and Emma Brandis. Grateful for sharing and celebrating his life are his children, Jr; Robert (Margo); Terry (Sharon) and Julie, three generations of grandchildren and daughter-in-law, Mary Brandis.