Russell E. Brandenburger, Jr.

Russell E. Brandenburger, Jr., 88, of Shelbyville, passed away Thursday, August 14, 2014 at his residence. He was born November 24, 1925, in Indianapolis, the son of Russell E. Sr. and Gladys (Hoehn) Brandenburger. On May 9, 1948, he married his wife of 64 years, Natalie Louise Breedlove, and she preceded him in death on February 3, 2013. He was also preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Fred Brandenburger. Survivors include his daughters, Diedre Young and husband, Marc, of Peoria, Illinois, Louise James and husband, Bobby, of Shelbyville and Julie Brodersen and husband, Craig, of Grain Valley, Missouri; son, David Brandenburger and wife, Joan of Fort Wayne; sister, Patricia Green and husband, Frank of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; sister-in-law, Nancy Brandenburger of Bloomington; grandchildren, Rebecca James, Dylan Young, Justin Young and wife, Lauren, Nathan Brandenburger, Natalie Brandenburger and husband, William, Nora Brandenburger, Diedre Louise Brodersen and Ben Brodersen; great-grandchild, Shaka Young; and several nieces. Russell graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1944, where he ran track and attended the University of Cincinnati. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving during the later stages of World War II. He was part of a crew on a B-17 as a tail gunner. Russell owned R.E. Brandenburger and Company, retiring in 2005. He was a highly accomplished furniture designer and gifted woodworker throughout his life. He began his career in the furniture business with his father. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks and the Air Force Association. Russell enjoyed jazz music, loved animals, nature and boating. During the past year he enjoyed a family trip to the Colorado Rocky Mountains where he treasured time with his very first great-grandson. He was also an accomplished pilot and was known to use his own plane in the 1950’s and 60’s for personal and business trips. He was never so content as when he was flying. Russ was a true gentleman and patriarch of his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A gathering of friends will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, August 22, 2014 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shelbyville-Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Online condolences may be shared with the Brandenburger family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.