Keith Brendel
Highland | Save
Keith Aloys Brendel, age 79 of Highland, IL, died Monday, December 8, 2025, at his home in Highland, IL.
He was born on Thursday, October 3, 1946, in St. Louis, MO, the son of Aloys and Leona (nee Russell) Brendel.
On Saturday, October 2, 1971, he married Donna Marie Brendel (nee Weber) at Marine United Church of Christ, Marine, IL, who survives.
He was a member and past president of Woodmen of the World Chapter 105. He was also a member of VFW Post 5694 and American Legion Post 439.
Keith was born in St. Louis, Missouri and lived in Jennings, Missouri until he was five. He then moved to Troy, Illinois. There he met his wife and then in 1980 moved to Highland, Illinois.
Keith graduated from Triad High School in 1965. He joined the US Navy in 1966 and served in Vietnam for 15 months. He was active in the U.S. Navy for four years.
Keith worked on barges on the Mississippi River in the early 70’s then worked at Magna-Fab in O’Fallon, Illinois until 1984, then he went to A.O. Smith. Tower Automotive bought them out and he worked there until 2006. In his younger years, Keith loved woodworking, hunting, softball and bowling. He and his wife were camp counselors at the Woodmen of the World Camp (Little Egypt) in West Frankfort, Illinois for over 20 years.
Survivors include:
- Wife - Donna Marie Brendel, nee Weber, Highland, IL
- Son - Todd A. (Angela) Brendel, Marine, IL
- Grandson - William Eyvind Brendel, Marine, IL
- Brother - Douglas R. (Debbie) Brendel, Maryville, IL
He was preceded in death by:
- Father - Aloys "Al" Henry Brendel (died 1/23/2007)
- Mother - Leona S. Brendel, nee Russell (died 3/10/1981)
- Daughter - Nicole "Nikki" Lee Brendel (died 9/30/2003)
- Brother - Donald "Don" Lee Brendel (died 6/21/2018)
- Nephew- Kent D. Brendel (died 4/13/2016)
- Sister-In-Law - Jean (Ken) Brewer
- Mother-In-Law - Alberta Weber, nee Mugler
- Father-In-Law - Wilbur Weber
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL and from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL, with Rev. William E. Kapp, Pastor, officiating.
Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fischer House (VA - Jefferson Barracks).
Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home
