Lloyd Brandal

Lloyd Jacob Brandal, age 96, the eldest resident born in and continuously living in North Star Township, passed away on Saturday, March 3, 2007 at Gratiot Medical Center in Alma.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca Chapel at 1:00 P.M. with Mrs. Jo Jones officiating. Visitation will take place on Tuesday from 2-4 and
6-8 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ithaca Senior Activity Building, 1011 E. North Street Ithaca, MI 48847 or to a charity of the donors choice.

Lloyd and his twin brother, Floyd, were born to William and Sarah (Strouse) Brandal on Easter Sunday March 27, 1910 in North Star Twp. He married Helen Green on August 13, 1933 in Crystal, MI. To that union were born three children: Robert (Emma) Brandal, Barbara (Mike) Kench, and Ronald Brandal. Along with his children, he also leaves 7 grandchildren, Patti (Kim) Cotter, Linda (Ed) Moffett, Colleen Kench, Cathy (Roy McCollum), Tim Brandal, Betsy (Tony) Martin, Tom (Stephanie) Brandal, and 11 great grandchildren who called him papa great: Kevin and Kari Cotter, Zackary, Rebecca and Olivia Moffett, Riley Kench, Logan and Jordyn McCollum, Jacob and Lauren Brandal, Mady and Lily Martin and 1 great-great granddaughter, Emily Anderson.

In addition he leaves his beloved friend, Edna Johnson, nieces, nephews, and many special friends.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his wife Helen in 1983, his parents Bill & Sarah, 2 sisters, Mabel Joslen and Dolly Manchester and 5 brothers, twin brother Floyd in 1994, Carl, Harry, Murl, and an infant brother, Ernest; a grandson, Rodney Brandal and a great granddaughter, Megan Moffett.

Early in life, Lloyd experienced many jobs. He delivered coal for North Star Elevator Co., was a stockboy and delivery person for Eichenberga�(TM)s General Store in North Star. He drove truck and worked on US 27 when it first came through Gratiot County.

After his marriage to Helen and having a family, he farmed the homestead east of North Star. In addition to farming, he worked at the Michigan Chemical Co. in St.Louis, retiring in 1970. During his farming days he milked cows and raised a variety of farm animals along with the crops. He was an avid deer hunter and loved to tell hunting stories. After retiring, he and his wife were able to enjoy a few fishing trips to Canada.

After the death of his wife, he became involved with the Ithaca Senior Center Food with Friends, first at the Methodist Church and later at the United Brethren Church. He was instrumental in turning the current Senior Activity Building idea into a reality. Going to the center each day was his "job." He enjoyed being with people and delighted in playing euchre with his friends and lending a helping hand. He loved to joke and to laugh and make others happy. Until last year, he and Edna wintered in Harlingen, TX. He was fortunate to have lived a long life and to experience so many changes in the world. He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, charitable heart and his love of life.


Read Lloyd Brandal's Obituary and Guestbook on smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.