James W. Brandenburger

James Brandenburger, 55, of Ellendale, ND died July 14, 2019 at Prince of Peace Care Center, Ellendale. He had lived in Aberdeen, SD (15 years) Minot, ND (11years) and Fargo, ND the previous two years before placement under hospice care October 8, 2018. James was born January 22, 1964 to Roger and Patricia (Lien) Brandenburger in Waupun, WI. He was born with a VSD and Tricuspid Valve problem. Had two surgeries to repair the by age 3. Also had cleft lip and palate along with plastic surgery on nose before age 12. Placement of tubes in ears 15 times in his lifetime. Family moved to ND in 1977. James was a studious individual until they moved. Started working at the age of 14 as a maintenance engineer at the local high school for most of 5 years. Graduated high school in 1982. Attended college at Valley City State, Weber State (Ogden, UT), Utah Tech (SLC) and trade school at Clearfield Job Corps Center where he was certified in bookkeeping and office procedures. Moved back home in summer 1986. Held various odd jobs including birdseed at elevator, manager of golf course one summer and taxes for 3 years. In August, 1988 started a 25+ year career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Did long-term care for the first 12 years with longest stint being at Bethesda Home of Aberdeen (5 years). Moved to Minot, ND in 2000 where he spent the next 11 years at Trinity Hospital while sprinkling in some travel nursing. Change of management from CEO on down caused him to return home once again. Moved to Aberdeen in 2012 where he obtained his CDL for the second time. Drove school bus the next 4 years for Dietrich’s Bus service. On March 19, 2015 had his 3rdopen heart surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. During 6 month layoff for recovery made decision to move to Fargo after the next school year. Drove for Valley Bus until winter break. Went to Sanford Health open house where a nurse seen my application with 23 years experience. Was hired December 27, 2016. Worked there until June 21, 2018 when he underwent colonoscopy surgery. Spent next 64-85 days in hospital until transferred to hospice. James was preceded in death by his father, Roger Brandenburger and all grandparents and nephew Seth Larson. Survivors include his mother: Patricia Brandenburger, Ellendale, ND; brother: Keith (Kerry) Brandenburger, Aberdeen, SD; sisters: Suzanne (Doug) Straus, West Fargo, ND, Valerie (Mark) Wagner, Monango, ND, Amy (Garrett) Mittleider, Frederick, SD; 14 nieces and nephews. The funeral is 10am Wednesday, July 17 at Presbyterian United Methodist Church, Ellendale with Luke 10 Ministry Team officiating. Visitation is 2-6:30pm July 16 with a prayer service at 5:30pm all at Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale. Burial is at Ellendale City Cemetery. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel.