The author of A Pool Player’s Journey has reached the end of his personal journey on this earth. Dale Brandt died on May 13, 2026. He was also the author of The Mind’s Eye and owned the copyrights to dozens of lyrics whose songs had been demo recorded in Nashville, TN.
Dale was born in Sheboygan, WI, on May 10, 1948 to Fred and Doris Brandt. He is survived by his two nephews, Noah (Marie) and Peter (Amy) Brandt, also of California. He is further survived by his beloved Fiancé, Margaret Van de Kamp, whose care, comfort, and support aided his continuing efforts to conquer the multiple myeloma cancer that afflicted him in his later life. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Carl Brandt.
He attended St. Paul’s grade school and graduated from Sheboygan North High School in 1966. He continued his education at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, where his activities against the Vietnam War and for civil rights in this country turned him into a figure of controversy.
Both of his books dealt with an unconventional approach to the mental aspects of pocket billiards and were considered controversial by some mainstream players. Both books spoke out against drug and alcohol use within pool culture. Dale openly acknowledged how seeking a deeper personal purpose and meaning were necessary to overcome these problematic habits during his middle life years.
His belief in community service put him in positions such as the board of directors of the Sheboygan Softball Association and the executive committee of Neighbors Against Drugs. His unconventional approach to challenging situations did not always meet universal approval.
This was also true in the jobs he worked. Among his job titles were sales manager of a furniture store and department supervisor in the leather goods industry. He also owned a used book store for 12 years, after which he worked in a group home for at-risk teenage boys until his cancer forced him to retire at the age of 75.
It cannot be claimed that Dale was loved by everyone. He was respected by some people and disliked by others. Knowing this provided peace for Dale during his final days. It meant he had actually said something and done something. He was who he was.
Private final arrangements, including his cremation, are being handled by Ballhorn Chapels Funeral & Cremation Care Center, 1201 N. 8th St., Sheboygan.
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