Dr. William C. Brandes

Dr. William C. Brandes, 65, of Moline, Illinois, died Friday, December 6, 2024, at home.

A hospitality gathering to celebrate Bill’s life is 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 18, at CityView Celebrations at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline, with a time of sharing at 5:30 p.m. As a joyous occasion, the family plans to wear celebratory, colorful attire, and guests are welcome to do the same. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory with private burial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family for a charitable fund to be established in Bill’s memory.

 Born on May 8, 1959, in Bismarck, North Dakota, Bill was the cherished son of Warren Curtis and Helena (Sokolski) Brandes. He earned his B.S. from LSU-Baton Rouge, his medical degree from LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine in 1988, completing his residency at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida. Bill built a distinguished career as a pulmonologist and critical care physician, practicing at St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur, Illinois, and previously in Florida, Las Vegas, and Moline. He shared his devotion to his patients, medical care and research with his colleagues and other health professionals. He loved space and was proud to serve as a part of the medical team at the Kennedy Space Center. 

Bill was meant to be a healer, and rejoiced in being a father. Bill treasured his family taking immense pride in his children, Caleb and Caylee. He was a supportive sports dad, loved celebrating his children's athletic accomplishments in swimming and volleyball, as well as their academics. Bill was a man of many passions. He found joy in photography and golfing and was a devoted fan of the LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Saints. Bill also deeply valued the years he shared with his mother, Helena, when she lived with him helping raise the kids until her passing in 2016. 

Bill is lovingly remembered by his children, Caleb Brandes and Caylee Brandes of Moline; his sister and brother-in-law, Lisa Brandes and Scott McLean of New Haven, Connecticut; his nephew, Charles McLean; Holly, who he raised, and Sonia Troche, who held a special place in the Brandes family. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.