Neil F. Braendle

Born May 26, 1931 in Freeport to Annabel (Friend) and Kenneth W. Braendle, Neil attended school in Freeport through the 7th grade, helping out in the family newspaper, The Freeport News as a "printer's devil."

Surviving are his daughter, Maria Diane Braendle (Tracy Lea Symonds) of Charlotte, MI;  grandsons Nelson Allen (Bobbie) Braendle of Austin, Tex.,  Nicholas Robert Braendle of Hastings and Torrey Symonds (Nicole Serr) of Charlotte, MI; four great-grandchildren, Vivian Simone, Dezmund Rhys, Dexter Niles Braendle of Austin, TX; Jude Victor Braendle of Hastings,  McKenna Lynn Symonds of Charlotte, MI, sister, Helena Mae Riekse of Grand Rapids. and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, K Whitney Braendle, John Edward (Jack) Braendle, James T. Braendle, his only son, Victor Niles Braendle. and sister, Phyllis Hoffman.

Mr. Braendle moved at age 13 with his family to Havana, Illinois in 1944 where he graduated from high school in 1949 and Mergenthaler Linotype School in Brooklyn, NY in 1950. Neil married his high school sweetheart, Joan Marie Ashurst in 1951. (He loved to tell how she passed up an opportunity for a free scholarship to study music in Europe to marry him). True love, True story.

Neil served three years in the U.S. Army in 1951-53, earning the rank of Sergeant. He then became associated with his family in the publication of The Mason County Democrat, completing his training in composition as a linotype operator on the GI Bill. He later became editor and publisher. During his time in Havana Neil recalled with pride spending an entire summer building a community swimming pool as a member of the Havana Optimist Club.

Coming "home" to Michigan was always a heartfelt desire for Neil. In 1969 he sold his interest in the newspaper and moved his family to Hastings, purchasing the Wibalda Dairy Queen which was operated as Braendle & Son Dairy Queen until 1975. The following year Mr. Braendle returned to the printing business, starting a commercial print shop at 119 N. Church St. In 1981 the business moved to 123 W. State St. next to WBCH, and in June of 1984 it was again relocated to 133 E. State, operating as Advanced Commercial Printers in partnership with his wife, Joan and son, Victor.

Mr. Braendle had a lifelong passion for baseball and while training at Camp Cook, California was selected to the Division Artillary baseball team, playing nine games until shipping overseas in the fall of 1952. He was an avid fan of the Tigers and St. Louis Cardinals, privileged to attend the 1964 World Series won by the Cardinals over the Yankees. In later years he found another passion, becoming proud owner of a 1966 classic Ford Mustang which he enjoyed for 19 years.

Mr. Braendle was a member of First United Methodist Church of Hastings since 1970, serving a term on the finance committee and for 33 years donated the church newsletter.  He joined the Hastings Kiwanis Club in 1977, twice serving on the board of directors, was president in 1984 and for 31 years was editor of the club newsletter. Neil was four times named Kiwanian of the Year, and he enjoyed the privilege of representing his club at seven Kiwanis International Conventions. Neil was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 45 of Hastings, serving as Historian three years, Post newsletter publisher and proud charter member of the honor guard which he helped organize. Neil also was a volunteer for 13 years with the Barry County Red Cross.

In 2000 the family business was sold to J-Ad Graphics. Mr. Braendle remained with the company for two years, retiring in 2002 to spend more time with his wife, Joan, enjoying his great grandchildren and attending minor league baseball games in Battle Creek and enjoying car shows.

His greatest pride, however, was in the steadfast loyalty and love provided by his wife and family.

Visitation will be held Sunday October 14th from 3pm to 5pm at Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. A celebration of life service will be held Monday October 15th at 11:00am at Hastings First United Methodist Church 209 Green St. Rev. Bryce Feighner officiating. Full Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion Post 45 of Hastings as well as active military personal.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH  45250-0301 (dav.org) or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS  66675-8515 (woundedwarriorproject.org)