June Ellen McDougal Brandenberger died peaceably at her home in Mason Thursday morning, June 1, 2017. She was born June 19, 1926 in Mason to Grover and Estella Hofmann McDougal. She was baptized and confirmed in St. Paul Lutheran Church. She graduated from Mason High School in 1942. She married Horace Brandenberger February 12, 1944 in St. Paul Lutheran and then joined the Hilda Methodist Church as Rev. Schwartz told her a good wife should do.
June Ellen was a good Methodist the rest of her life. At Hilda she was active in the Women's Missionary Society, teaching Sunday School and maintaining the Cemetery. She was active in the Hilda Community Club, serving as chairman of the Round-up German Taco stand. It's been said she originated that idea.
In 1967 Horace, June and Lynn moved their membership to First United Methodist Church, mainly because Horace and Lynn wanted to sing in their choir. June was an active member of FUMC even before they moved to town in 1984.
June was a member of the PTA and Room Mother for both of her girls. She was active in Band Mothers and was chairman of the Queen's Coronation. A dedicated member of Riata since 1952, she held most offices and served on most committees. Their Bluebonnet Trail project was one of her favorites, serving as Chair for several years.
In 1990 June was elected to the Mason City Council. She served on the Library Board where she was Acting President, Vice-President and Reporter-Historian. The establishment of the Recycling Plant in 1994 was what she considered her greatest achievement. She was instrumental in establishing and supporting it. Her other civic duties included serving on the RSVP Board, delivering Meals on Wheels, and serving on the TriAd Board which protects seniors from scams. Riata nominated her for the Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame Public Civic Award in 1999 and she was the recipient that year. Her nomination was written by Dr. Jackie Hunt.
June was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 64 years and one daughter, Pam Durst. She is survived by a sister, Joy Williams of Longview, a brother, Kent McDougal of San Antonio, daughter, Lynn Reichenau and husband Del Roy of Mason, son-in-law Donald Durst and friend Becky Taylor of Mason, grandchildren Russell Durst of San Antonio, Holly Williams and husband Nick of San Antonio, Mac Reichenau of Plano and Walt Reichenau and wife Kassi of Mason, great-grandchildren Lindsay Musil, Caleb Reichenau, Collin Durst, Grace Reichenau, Jaxson Reichenau, Mia Reichenau, Sarah Williams, Brett Williams and Tanner Reichenau.
A memorial service for June Brandenberger will be held on Sunday, June 4, at 4 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Mason. Visitation with the family will be in the church fellowship hall following the service.