THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Chicago, Illinois
February 21, 2011

Thomas H. Brendel, M.D., age 72, of Flagler Beach, FL passed away peacefully of Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) at Flagler Pines Nursing Home, Bunnell, FL on February 7, 2011. Tom was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.

He was born in Chicago, IL the son of the late William J. Brendel, Sr. and the late Eleanor H. Brendel. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife Gwen; dear sons Thomas Scott (Yvonne) Brendel and Andrew Todd Brendel; and two grandchildren Jessica and Raymond Brendel all of Florida. Also brothers William J. (Lynne) Brendel, Jr. of Centralia, IL, James F. Brendel of Libertyville, IL; and sisters Eleanor H. (Edward) Mylotte of Sparta, WI; and Kathleen (Carl) Wandzel of St. Charles, MO. He is also survived by a sister-in-law and brother-in-law; Jackie and Joe Hebel of Bensenville, IL and many cousins, nieces and nephews and his dog Gracie.

Tom had also lived in Libertyville, IL and Ephraim, WI and moved to Flagler Beach in 2006 due to his health. He completed his Pre-Med studies and graduated from Medical School in only seven years and went on to become a board certified Radiologist. He was also a published author in medical journals. He was a past president of the Condell Memorial Hospital Medical Staff and the head of their Radiology department in Libertyville, IL.

Tom served as a Captain and Medical Officer in the Air Force at the beginning of the Vietnam war. He was also a strong supporter of the Ephraim, Wisconsin Fire Department and was involved in other Ephraim village activities. Tom was a special man who loved life and was a influential mentor and a very caring friend to many. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

A memorial Mass and celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 89 St. Mary's Place, Bunnell (Korona), FL with lunch to follow at the Halifax Plantation Clubhouse Restaurant.

The family requests no flowers, but donations in his memory can be made to the Flagler County Humane Society, 1 Shelter Drive, Palm Coast, FL 32137.