Dennis Lee Brandau
April 8, 2025
CHARLOTTE - Dennis Lee Brandau, 85, passed away on April 8, 2025, after a long and brave battle with complications from diabetes.
Born in a farmhouse in a rural railroad mountain town, Dennis spent his early years enjoying country life. He attended local schools, and after graduating from Jefferson High School in Roanoke, VA, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.
Professionally, Dennis joined the Fortune 500 company Household Finance Corporation. He held various positions and worked his way up from Manager to Assistant Vice President. After retiring from Household, he founded his own mortgage brokerage, Lee Financial Services, with offices in both North and South Carolina. Later, Dennis worked alongside his son as a carpenter and bookkeeper for Brandau Builders and Remodeling.
Dennis was a gifted musician. In high school, he played trombone in both the concert and marching bands. He later shared his beautiful voice with his church, Avondale Presbyterian, until vision problems limited his ability. Even in his final days, Dennis sang with a local Charlotte group, Crossroads, whose friendships and performances brought him joy for over 30 years.
Dennis served in many leadership roles, including Treasurer of the Charlotte Lenders Exchange, President and Treasurer of the Starclaire Swim and Tennis Club, and President of the Queen City Swim League. He embraced every opportunity to become involved and contribute to his community.
A man of many talents, Dennis was a capable sound engineer, skilled finish carpenter, and even learned to brew beer and wine.
Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Brandau; mother, Helen Goodall Brandau; brother, James Brandau; and daughter, Della Oglesby-Montiel.
Dennis was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and a cherished friend to many. He will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Susan Bingham Brandau; son, Dennis L. Brandau Jr. (Anita); daughters, Laurie Hardin and Jennifer Oglesby-Dewyer (Tim); grandsons, Caleb Burgh and Dylan Dewyer; granddaughters, Amber Edwards (Andrew), Grayson Dewyer, Ashley Montiel, Peyton Burgh, and Allye Powell; son-in-law, Marcial Montiel; sisters-in-law, Barbara Winstead and Beth Cline (Robert); and several nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to Dr. Gregory Busse, Dr. Todd Griffith, VIA Health Partners, and especially RN Lyndsey Funderburk for their dedicated and compassionate care.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Avondale Presbyterian Church, 2821 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209. Rev. Jim Ewing will preside. A reception in the fellowship hall will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Sacred Space Building Fund at Avondale Presbyterian Church.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
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I met Dennis in 1964 when his brother, Jim Brandau and I were planning our wedding in Roanoke, VA. Pat, was Deninis' first wife and the mother of their 2 children, Dennis Jr. 2yrs old and Laurie 1 month old. They were so afraid Pat would still be with child for the wedding. We had many years together on special occasions, Christmas and most of the major holiday. The children, Dennis Laurie, Paige, Kurt and Josh had many hours of fun play, and of course Helen and Mae Mae would always come along. I always told Dennis that he was the calm and energetic brother, while Jim was much more serious ( but he did have a good sense of humor.) Dennis and Jim had the most wonderful voices and people were lucky to listen to them .
Rest in peace Dennis. We will forever miss you, but you are so lucky to be with your family in Paradise. -
Dennis was a dear friend for over 30 years with Mahlon and me. I will cherish the memories made throughout those years. Beach trips, mountain trips, dinners, plays, family celebrations, music with Crossroads, and so many good times with laughter and conversation. Dennis will be greatly missed. Fly high my man. We will take good care of Susan.
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Dennis could sing notes lower than a pipe organ. I know the heavenly choir was holding a seat for him
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