Marie C. Brands, age 90 of Austin, Minn., died Monday, Aug. 27, 2012, at her residence in The Cedars of Austin.

Marie was born on April 26, 1922, in Hayfield, Minn., to William and Lucy (Baumgartner) Mahnke. She attended and graduated from Hayfield High School in 1940. After high school, she completed teachers training at Austin Jr. College and obtained her teaching certificate. Marie met a fellow teacher, Leo Brands and they were married on Feb. 24, 1943, just before Leo entered the U.S. Army during World War II. They relocated to various states during Leo’s military career and moved back to Austin in 1948. She later graduated from Mankato State University in 1962 with a bachelors of science degree in elementary education. She spent her career teaching elementary school near Waltham and in Austin.

Marie was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Austin since 1948 and frequently taught Sunday school. She was a devoted wife and mother, and was very active with her church and in the community. She enjoyed biking, gardening, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marie is survived by her daughter: Mary ( Loren) Hammermeister, Austin; granddaughters: Ann (Dan) Williamson, Chanhassen, Minn., Debra (Don) Conway, Richfield, Minn., Lora Hammermeister, Mankato, Minn.; 3 great-granddaughters: Marissa, Elizabeth, and Natalie Williamson; sister: Gladys Christians, Hayfield, Minn; sister-in-law: Bernice Mahnke, San Mateo, Calif.; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Leo, and son John.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 31, 2012, at St. John’s Lutheran Church with the Reverend Thomas Ogilvie officiating. Organist will be Annette Kiehne. Casket bearers will be Paul Christians, Gene Christians, Bob Gebhardt, Dan Williamson, Don Conway, and Adam Chiabotti. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary and at the church on Friday for one hour before the service.

Memorials may be designated to St. John’s Lutheran Church or to Alzheimer’s Research.