RIP: Former TMA Chairman Ed Brandt

In Memoriam: Edward J. Brandt

May 27, 1938 — May 24, 2026

Edward J. Brandt, age 87, Beloved husband of Susan for 33 years and the late Carol; Loving father of Patti (Chris) Fagalde, Linda (Jon) Isham, Pam (Mark) Spurgeon, and Michelle Labbe; Cherished grandfather of Megan (Eric) Balle, Aaron Fagalde (Keileen Driscoll), Austin (Kristen) Basak, Alyssa (Mike) Marcus, Hailey Spurgeon, Danielle (Tyler) Simmons, Nick Labbe, and the late Jenna Spurgeon and great grandfather of Adeline, Brooklyn, Bailey, Casen, Tyson, Charli, and TJ; Dear brother of Beverly (the late Larry) Ellgass and son of the late Edward and Norine Brandt; Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, June 5th at 11:00 am at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1190 N Hicks Road, Palatine. In lieu of flowers, donations to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Palatine would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to The Oaks Funeral Home.

Mr. Brandt served as Chairman of the Technology & Manufacturing Association in 1982.

In TMA’s News Bulletin’s January 2017 edition, Mr. Brandt was featured in a profile entitled, “A Manufacturing Renaissance Man,” which led with these words:

If there’s the perfect example of an all-around manufacturing Renaissance man, Transwestern principal Ed Brandt is in the running.

Brandt started as one of the Technology & Manufacturing Association’s (TMA) early apprenticeship trainees, worked as a tool & die maker, started his own manufacturing business and eventually retired, only to launch a brand new career a year later.

He then went on to pursue a career in industrial real estate and worked with Chicago area manufacturers to help them find perfect locations for their companies, their employees, and their companies’ needs.

Mr. Brandt’s 2017 TMA News Bulletin Profile is HERE or HERE.