Roger Eugene Brendel
Roger Eugene Brendel, 81, passed away from complications with pneumonia in Lodi, Calif., on Feb. 12, 2013. Roger was born in Whitefish on Feb. 25, 1931 to William and Esther Brendel. He attended Whitefish School from elementary through high school which at the time was housed entirely in the same building.
He joined the Navy Aug. 15, 1950 and served during the Korean War until June 21, 1954 aboard the U.S.S. Boxer. After his Naval service Roger worked for Todd’s Shipyard in Seattle until his retirement in 1992. After his retirement, Roger spent many happy years hunting and fishing at his cabin west of Whitefish with friends.
Roger met widow Norma Hankins Andres in Whitefish in 1993. About a year later they were married at St. Richard’s church in Colombia Falls. Prior to being reconnected, the two had previously been classmates at Whitefish School and had known each other since first grade.
The two resided together in Kalispell and enjoyed kayaking on the many lakes in Whitefish and playing golf with friends. They also spent a lot of time at Glacier National Park and enjoyed taking many trips around Montana.
In 2004 they moved to Arizona to enjoy the warm weather and then in 2011 the couple moved to Lodi to be close to family.
Roger is survived by his wife Norma, in Lodi. He is also survived by his sister, Joyce Bonner; nephew, Paul Gallo and his wife Jane; and his nephew, Roger Gallo, all from Whitefish. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Arnold Hamilton and his wife Marilyn of Watsonville, Calif.; his daughter, Kelly Heinsohn and husband Cory from Seattle; his grandson, Jordan Heinsohn and wife Adrielli; and his granddaughter, Kaitlyn Heinsohn of Seattle.
He is also survived by his step-family with whom he had a very close relationship, step-daughter, Susan Polk and her husband John, of Lodi.; step-granddaughter Jennifer Polk Maxson and her husband Ryan Maxson, of San Diego; and step-granddaughter, Renee Polk, of Irvine, Calif.; step-son, Craig Andres and his wife Lynn and their three children Ethan, Carly, and Keaton, all from Colorado.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, William and Esther Brendel, from Whitefish; and his half-brother, Charles Hamilton, of California.
Roger will be missed by all of his family and friends who loved him dearly. He was a kind and generous man and helped many people throughout his lifetime.
At Roger’s request there will not be a funeral, but family and friends plan to gather in the spring for a memorial that will be announced at a later time.