Imogene "Jean" Adel Brandt

Imogene “Jean” Adel Brandt, 86, of Machesney Park, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Born on September 18, 1939, the eldest daughter of Raymond George Sawvell and Leola Frances Broszeit in Iowa City, IA. Her folks moved around a lot, which left her attending schools in Monona, Giard, Castalia, Clermont, Alpha, Randalia, and Elgin, IA.

On April 8, 1958, Jean married Lloyd Marvin Brandt in Monona, IA, and together they raised two daughters, Lois and Melanie. They later divorced in 1991. 

It wasn’t until November 12, 1994, that Jean married the love of her life, James “Jim” Wesley Johnson, in Roscoe, IL.

Jean was a dedicated member of Zion Lutheran Church in Belvidere, IL, where she had faithfully attended services since 1965. She worked at Parsons Casket Hardware in Belvidere and managed the Cherry Valley Cinemas for several years, but was perhaps best known for her meticulous work cleaning homes, a task she approached with great pride and care.

Jean had a passion for genealogy, spending countless hours researching and filling binder after binder with the rich history she uncovered. She also had a deep love for sewing, often creating and making alterations for her family. Jean found joy in visiting her favorite thrift stores, where she always seemed to uncover the perfect treasure. In her later years, she developed a fondness for collecting dolls, bunnies, and Longaberger baskets. She was also a generous supporter of various charitable organizations, with a particular passion for animal charities. Above all, Jean cherished the peace she found sitting in her garage, chatting with neighbors as they passed by.

She leaves behind her devoted husband, Jim; daughters, Lois (Bradford) Price of Belvidere and Melanie Young of Machesney Park; grandchildren, Wellesley (Meg Earls) Scott III, Daniel Scott, Allison (Matthew) Joost, Jonathan Bartz, Elizabeth Bartz, Matthew (Rebecca Deiter) Bartz and Victoria Young; great-grandchildren, Magnolia Scott, Althea Scott, Layla Joost, and Lexi Joost. Also surviving are her siblings, Eugene Sawvell and Peggy Jo Sawvell.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Ray Allen Sawvell and Robert Lee Sawvell.

A Graveside Service will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Machesney Park. Memorials may be made to the family. 

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