Russell Dale Brandau

Russell Dale Brandau (“Joker”), age 75, of Osage, Iowa, passed away at home on Monday, November 3, 2025. Born August 14, 1950, in Osage, Iowa, to George Frederick Brandau and Joan Doris (Bascombe) Brandau. Father to Ellen, stepfather to Dillon, grandpa to Jonah, Caleb, Grace, Charlotte, and Samuel.

Russell attended Osage High School, graduating in 1969. At OHS, he was a member of the O Club (a good sportsmanship club), was a football player and a wrestler, was in the FFA, many choirs, and at least one play. After high school, he attended Calmar where he studied welding.

On November 30, 1974, Russell was united in marriage to Elizabeth (Cornwell) Wiltse at Eden Presbyterian Church. From this union, their daughter Ellen was born. The couple would later divorce.

On January 29, 2000, Russell was united in marriage to Julie (Gahan) Drury at Eden Presbyterian Church. With this union, Julie’s son Dillon was welcomed to Russell’s family. Russell doted on Julie, and she on him, until her passing in 2017. Russell had a variety of jobs over his lifetime, including Electrolux salesman, Kinetico Water Systems salesman, truck driver, and welder. While Russell could sell a fudge popsicle to a June bride in Texas or a high-efficiency air conditioner to an Alaskan in December, his most recent work was with Family Guys Freight in Osage, Iowa. Russell earned his CB name, “Joker,” early in his trucking career, owing to his avid interest in joke telling.

Russell was associated with Eden Presbyterian Church his entire life, having been baptized, confirmed, and married there, and now will be remembered there. Russell served his church family well in many roles, such as head usher, choir member, building and ground maintenance, and served on the Crop Walk. He also entertained everyone with jokes and great fudge pie and chocolate cake at fellowship. Russell was the Mitchell County GOP chair, organizing many events and advocating for Republican candidates. He collected signatures for candidates, communicated with them personally, drove in parades for the GOP, organized and attended events, and got election signage out around the county.

In his free time, Russell was often found out with friends for karaoke, was always telling jokes, was an avid baker, and enjoyed playing cards and board games with his friends and family. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle. Russell was a generous person, always ready to help whether it was with mowing the lawn or getting a car to the mechanic or changing a water filter or baking you a birthday cake. His family and friends will miss him.

Russell is survived by his daughter Ellen Brandau (Osage); stepson, Dillon (Julie) Drury (St. Louis); and grandchildren, Jonah and Caleb (Osage), Grace (Ames), Charlotte and Samuel (St. Louis); as well as many brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Russell is preceded in death by his wife Julie; father, George; mother, Joan; sister, Judy; brother, Bruce; nephews, Paul, Bryan, and Charlie; and niece Valerie.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at the Eden Presbyterian Church. Visitation will take place an hour and a half prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be held at Eden Presbyterian Cemetery.

Hoff Celebrations - Champion Chapel of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements.