Richard "Dick" C. Brandt

            Richard “Dick” C. Brandt, age 84, of Waupaca, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2017.  He was born in Chicago, IL on June 10, 1932 to the late Bernard and Dorothy (Gralen) Brandt.  He was united in marriage to Noreen Kropp on August 18, 1956.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955, where he received a good conduct medal.  Dick loved nature, musky fishing, and doing woodworking.  He also loved his Chicago Cubs and was elated to see them win the World Series in 2016.  Dick enjoyed music and was a talented piano player. 

            Dick worked as Deerfield Chief of Police, where he was appointed as head of an agency suffering from internal strife on June 6, 1975. As “Chief”, he “righted” the agency and served until July 1, 1993 at which time he retired to Waupaca, Wisconsin. During his tenure, Chief Brandt implemented numerous policies, practices and programs which still serve as integral parts of the agency. He was instrumental in the founding of what is presently called the Northern Illinois Regional Police Crime Lab, the creation of the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group, the appointment of Social Workers as employees of the Department and a focus on the youth of the Community. Prior to coming to Deerfield he served as a Chicago Police Officer for 18 years having achieved the rank of Lieutenant and serving in numerous capacities including Research and Development where he reported directly to then Superintendent O.W. Wilson.  “Chief” was a professional with a passion for law enforcement who thoroughly enjoyed his service to Chicago and Deerfield. Many of his practices, thoughts and ideas were “ahead of their time” and a reflection of his approach to policing.

            He will be dearly missed by his wife, Noreen of Waupaca; daughter, Angela (Bao) Pham and their son Peter, of FL; daughter, Jennifer (David) Clark and their children Andrew, Sarah and Richard, of IL; daughter, Maureen (Bill) Schaaf and their children Matt and Katie (Paul Hermann), of IL; son, Thomas (Maggie Tacheny) Brandt of MN; and daughter, Mary Brandt (Nick Schultz) of Waupaca.  Dick is also survived by three great-grandchildren: Pauly, Damien and Jaxson; brother, Jack (Beverly) Brandt of Waupaca and sister, Nancy (Don) Hoppe of IL.

            The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 19, 2017 at the Maple Crest Funeral Home of Waupaca, with military honors to follow.  Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.

 Service Information