Robert Christopher Brandes

Robert is survived by his wife, Lisa; his sons Alex, Austin (Ryleigh), and Jake; his sister Michele (Tim). He was preceded in death by his father Henry (“Hank”), and his mother Marta.

Robert passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his family, after a long and courageous fight with a neurodegenerative disorder.

At the heart of Robert’s life was his faith and his family. A devoted follower of Christ, loving husband, and deeply committed father, he built his days around the people he cherished most. His early career as a manufacturing engineer eventually gave way to what he considered his greatest calling: being a stay-at-home dad. He and Lisa married on June 27, 1992. After they welcomed their first son, Alex in 1995, Robert chose to pour his time, energy, and heart into raising and eventually homeschooling all three boys through high school. It was a decision that shaped not only (the boys) education, but also their character, confidence, and sense of belonging.

Robert’s legacy is woven through the many roles he embraced within his community. He coached soccer with enthusiasm, taught Sunday school in his beloved “Boys to Men” class, and stepped onto the church stage as an actor, often with a joyful willingness to be a “fool for Christ” if it meant bringing laughter or meaning to others. His life was a testament to showing up, giving generously, and leading with humility.

Many will remember Robert for his passion for fireworks. What began as a hobby grew into a lifelong pursuit that connected him to a wide circle of dear friends in the pyro community. Even as his illness progressed, he found a way to say goodbye to that chapter of his life with intention and gratitude. In 2023, knowing he could no longer help build shows, he and Lisa traveled across the country to attend friends’ displays which was a final, joy-filled farewell to a community he loved deeply. In many ways, it became a celebration of the friendships, creativity, and wonder he had spent years cultivating.

As his disease advanced, stepping away from fireworks was one of the hardest losses he faced. Yet even then, Robert’s legacy continued to shine through in the resilience he modeled, the faith he held fast to, and the love he poured into his family until his final day.

Robert leaves behind a life defined not by what he could no longer do, but by the values he lived every day: devotion, generosity, humor, curiosity, and a steadfast commitment to the people and passions that mattered most. His impact will continue in the lives he shaped, the traditions he built, and the stories his family and friends will carry forward.

Services for Robert will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Cheyenne Hills Church with a reception to follow at The Barn. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Student Ministry at Cheyenne Hills Church.

https://cheyennehills.org/give/