ROLAND JACOB BRANDT, age 70 of Valparaiso was born May 29, 1942 in Hammond, Indiana to Jacob and Gwendolyn Brandt. He passed away Saturday, February 2, 2013 after a courageous battle against Mesothelioma. He is survived by wife, Sharon (nee Bullerwell), whom he married November 11, 1962; sons: Bill (Lisa) Brandt of Rockford, Illinois, Wayne (Victoria) Brandt of Batesville, IN, Kevin (Amanda) Brandt of Las Vegas; daughter, Catherine (Jeffery) Haggerty of Valparaiso; eight grandchildren: Justin, Matthew, Samantha, Abigail, Aaron, Autumn Brandt, Zoey and Nathan Haggerty; mother, Gwendolyn Brandt of Griffith; two sisters: Juanita (Jigger) Sirois of VA, Barb (Marty) Slemin of Griffith; brother, Hank Brandt of Las Vegas, brother-in-law, Alan (Jean) Bullerwell; his beloved Bichon, Maggie; and many good friends. Preceded in death by his father, Jacob Brandt. Roland was a member of First United Methodist Church in Valparaiso. He was a graduate of Calumet Township High School, Class of 1960. Roland proudly served his country during the Vietnam War in the U.S. Navy. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #94. He worked and retired from Inland Steel with 25 years of service and then started his own construction business. Roland enjoyed camping, boating, and fishing with his family and close friends. He was an avid NASCAR racing fan and a die-hard Chicago Bears fan. A memorial service will take place at First United Methodist Church, 103 N. Franklin St. Valparaiso, on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Lowell Black officiating. There will be visitation at the church ½ hour prior to services. In lieu of flowers, make donations to Lakeshore PAWS. SHAKE N’ BAKE!!!!!!