Rodney K. “Rod” Brandel

Bellefontaine - Rodney K. “Rod” Brandel, 59, died Sept. 3, 2009, at his residence.

He was born Sept. 26, 1949, in Jamestown to Joseph and Mary Diamond Brandel, who preceded him in death. He married Lisa Garwood, who survives, who was also his best friend.

Mr. Brandel was a graduate of Wright State University. He worked and lived all over the world, climbing the pyramids, meeting Mother Theresa and hitchhiking across Europe and the Middle East for almost 10 years. When he returned to the states he began a career as a Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation counselor, a career that lasted 27 years, serving Logan County the entire time. He was also a ski pro for Mad River Mountain for several years.

Survivors include three sisters, Jane (Lou) Schnorr and Robin Brandel, both of Xenia, and Sheryl Brandel, of Dayton; a brother, Chuck Brandel, of Jamestown; several nieces and nephews; his father- and mother-in-law, Robert and Mary Garwood, of Bellefontaine; and his six beloved kitty cats.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Gladys Sanders; and four brothers, Donald, Richard, Jeff and Michael Brandel.

Services will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Kevin F. Jennings Funeral Home, West Liberty.

Friends may call from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland; Dr. Robert Dreicer experimental therapeutics; or Universal Home Health Care & Hospice.