Lester John Brandewie passed away on Sunday, April 1, 2018 at his residence in Celina; he was 89.

He was born the son of Lawrence B. & Lietta (Bensman) Brandewie on Aug. 21, 1928 in Ft. Loramie, Ohio. On July 26, 1952 he married Dorothy A. Kramer, who died Dec. 23, 2009.

Survivors include his children: David (Helen "Holly") Brandewie of Valparaiso, IN; Richard (Kalyn) Brandewie of Tampa, FL; Beth (Rick) Weber of Montezuma; Ted (Debbie) Brandewie of Lexington, KY; nine grandchildren; one great granddaughter; and his sister & brother-in-law Joan (Paul) Maurer of Ft. Loramie.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers and sisters-in-law Anthony Brandewie, Joseph (Virginia) Brandewie, Maurice (Arlene) Brandewie, Walter (Doris Jean) Brandewie, and Paul (Rose Marie) Brandewie.

Lester graduated from the Ft. Loramie High School with the class of 1946. He served his country in the Navy Reserve. He received his bachelors degree from The Ohio State University in 1952 and became the Mercer County Agricultural Extension Agent.

He then started Brandewie Insurance Agency with Nationwide Insurance in 1954, and farmers became some of his best customers because he understood their business so well. Lester was elected a county commissioner in 1966 and served through 1970.

He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Celina; a Companion of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood; a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1800; and was a member of the Mercer County Elks.

Lester enjoyed his family and friends, golf, traveling, card games and watching his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes play sports.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday April 16, 2018 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Celina, with Fr. Vince Wirtner C.PP.S. officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery in Celina.

A visitation will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday April 15, 2018 and from 9-10 a.m. on Monday at the Lehman-Dzendzel Funeral Home in Celina. Knight of Columbus membership prayer service will be held on Sunday at 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the I.C. Endowment Fund 229 W. Anthony St. Celina, Ohio 45822.

Condolences may be expressed on-line at LehmanDzendzelFH.com.