Our obituaries page allows for you to light a candle for a loved one or leave a guest comment. You are able to search for obituaries by first and last name or by the date of death.

Tyler Brandt

July 28, 1968 - April 15, 2023

Tyler Elliot Brandt, son of Gary and Marcia (Saylor) Brandt, passed away unexpectedly April 15, 2023, at his home in Ankeny, Iowa. Tyler was born July 28, 1968, in Ames, Iowa.

A celebration of Tyler’s life will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny, IA).

Tyler was a 1986 graduate of Clarion High School. He was united in marriage to Joy (Rishel) Brandt in 1994; to this union was born two sons, Derrick and Lathan.

Tyler earned a BS in Exercise Science from Iowa State University; an MS in Exercise Physiology from Pittsburg State University; over the years, he also worked toward a doctoral degree in Education Leadership from University of Phoenix. He had a teaching certificate in Arizona as well.

Tyler’s primary interest was coaching athletes. This led him to positions at Labette Community College in Parsons, Kansas; Phoenix area high schools including Seton Catholic, Mountain Pointe, Cesar Chavez, Hamilton, and Maricopa; the Waldorf University Men’s team was revived under Tyler’s leadership. Several wrestlers achieved All-American status under his guidance. While wrestling was Tyler’s foremost interest, he also coached football, track, youth baseball, and wrestling skills to UFC fighters. His UFC fighters appeared in many fights in Las Vegas.

Tyler’s entrepreneurial skills channeled his success in coaching into business as well. His 7secondcoach website offered advice and motivation for coaches at any level with an emphasis on dealing with younger athletes. He founded the NEACA (National Education & Athletic Certification Association) to professionally train and certify coaches for high school athletics.

Tyler’s hobbies and interests included boating and snowboarding. His out of state snowboarding trips to “shred the slopes” were well known to his family and friends.

Tyler was preceded in death by his father, Gary Brandt, and his grandparents. He is survived by his sons, Derrick and Lathan; mother, Marcia Mekelburg; brothers, TJ (Brenda) and Travis (Clara); several nephews and a niece.

The family requests donations be made to USA Wrestling in lieu of flowers.