Mike Brand

Michael Herbert Brand, West Fargo, ND, formerly of Valley City, ND, passed away on December 28th, 2023, surrounded by family and under the care of Sanford’s Hospice House. Mike's funeral service will be viewable via livestream at https://vimeo.com/event/3997077 Mike was born on August 28, 1948, to Herbert Nicholas Brand and Emma Faye (Rollins) in Charleston, WV. Mike spent a majority of his youth in Wanda, MN, and graduated from Wabasso High School in 1966. Mike attended Moorhead State University and graduated in 1970 with an education degree in Industrial Arts. Mike began his teaching career in Bird Island, MN, where he met the love of his life, Barbara Larson. Mike and Barb were married on December 27, 1975, at Faith Lutheran Church in Valley City. Mike and Barb spent a few years in Bird Island before returning to Barb’s hometown of Valley City, ND. Mike began his career with Fairmont (Cass-Clay) Creamery. He continued to work for Cass-Clay/Kemps until he retired in December of 2013. Mike was involved in many activities but was especially fond of his time with the Valley City Fire Department and several Lion’s Clubs. Mike was recently an active member of the Fargo Gateway Lions. He particularly enjoyed being involved with the Annual Lion’s All-Star Basketball games. His involvement with the Lion’s Club allowed his family to meet many treasured, lifelong friends and see many parts of the country and world. He loved a round of golf or fishing at the lake with Matt or his brothers. Recently, one of his favorite past times was getting together with his poker buddies for some snacks and good conversation. Mike is survived by his son Matthew (Casey) Brand, Moorhead, MN; daughter Andrea (Wade) Haugen, Grafton, ND; five very special grandchildren, Zoey and Bode Brand; Grady, Maddox, and Owen Haugen; siblings Joseph (Lissa) Brand, Sarasota, FL; Suzette (Bruce) Waletich, Mankato, MN; Robert (Sue) Brand, Madelia, MN; David (Barb) Brand, Glencoe, MN; Julie Brand, Mankato, MN; Karen (Ray) Madsen, Humboldt, IA; Thomas (Shelia) Brand, Lake Crystal, MN, Charles (Terry) Brand, Wanda, MN; Barb’s family, Arlene Larson, Valley City, ND; Linda (Richard) Klein, East Grand Forks, MN; Cindy (Kenny) DeWitt, Embden, ND; Alan (Janie) Larson, Valley City, ND; Nancy (Dana) Noot, Marion, ND; and many nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, father-in-law Doug Larson and nephew Brady Larson. Mike’s family would like to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers, and visits during his brief stay in Sanford’s Hospital and Hospice House. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 10th, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Faith Lutheran Church Valley City, ND with a prayer service at 7:00. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 11th at 11:00 am at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN. Memorials are preferred to go to Valley City Fire Department or Gateway Lion’s Club.

Mike Brand

August 28, 1948 - December 28, 2023