Victor Niles Braendle

Victor Niles Braendle age 53, of Hastings passed away Thursday, January 26, 2012, unexpectedly. He was born January 9, 1959 in Havana, Illinois the son of Neil and Joan (Ashurst) Braendle. In his early years in Illinois, Victor loved to visit with his doting Grandpa and Grandma Ashurst. Victor went to Cardinal games in St. Louis and became a Chicago Bears fan. When the family moved to Michigan he instantly became a Tiger fan. He also enjoyed watching the Redwings and was a Spartan fan, as well.

Victor attended Hastings High School, graduating in 1977. He trained and worked for a year as a medical assistant following graduation from Hastings High School, was an associate in two family businesses. He spent his last 10 years working in his favorite vocation as a truck driver. Victor and his dad enjoyed many trips to Battle Creek to see the Cats and they were present to see the team win a championship in 2000. He took his sons, Nelson and Nick to many hockey games in Kalamazoo and they enjoyed so many great times together, and he could spend hours with his grandchildren.

Victor had a work ethic like no other and enjoyed people. He was a good and kind man with a caring heart and loved his family. He had many special friends,  including  Darrell Grinnell, Marty VanHouten,  Chris Patrick, and Tracy Symonds and during his lifetime many comforting pets: Nipsy, Squiggles, Maggie, Zipper, Peaches and Jackie.  Victor loved and was loved.

Victor was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Victor is survived by his wife, Debbie; sons: Nelson (Bobbi) Braendle of Austin, Texas and Nicholas Braendle of Nashville, Michigan; three grandchildren: Vivian Parker, Dezmund Braendle and Dexter Braendle all of Austin, Texas; sister, Maria Diane Braendle of Charlotte, Michigan and several nieces and nephews.

Respecting Victor's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

Memorial Contributions:
American Diabetes Association
Grand Rapids MI Office
3940 Broadmoor Ave., SE
Suite 100
Grand Rapids, MI 49512

Meijer Heart Center
c/o Spectrum Health Foundation
100 Michigan St. N.E. MC004
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Memorial Service:
Will be scheduled at a later date.