Daniel R. Brandel

Daniel R. Brandel, 69, of Canton, MI., went home to be with the Lord on April 25, 2021 while serving on a mission’s trip in Malawi, Africa. Beloved husband of Sandra Brandel for 33 years. Loving father of Kristine Drews and Carolyn (Kyle) Bossung, Dear Grandfather of Josiah, Mackenzie, Kayleigh and Ashlynn. Brother of Mark (Jan), Annette (John) Restum and Carole (Scott) Bowyer. Brother-in-law of Denise (Steve) Nienhaus and Kimberly (Rob) Bywater. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews and all his African brothers and sisters in Christ. Daniel R. Brandel was born in Chad, Africa and from an early age, he developed a deep love for his home country, and has always maintained a strong affinity for the African people. Inspired by his devout love of Jesus and love of his fellow man, Daniel devoted over 30 years of his life to sports ministry in Africa. A primary focus throughout his numerous mission trips was discipleship. Training leaders who not only share their faith with others, but also to minister in their own country. The profound impact Daniel had in the lives of others is immeasurable. His love of Jesus and his strong faith played an instrumental role throughout his entire life. Professionally, Daniel was involved in education, and was a gifted teacher - spending over 30 years of his life leading and mentoring young adults to live a life dedicated towards Christ. Teaching came naturally to Dan, and he helped influence many others to join the profession – including his daughters, Kristine and Carolyn. Coaching was another gift God bestowed upon Daniel, and he spent a better part of his life providing guidance and drawing up plays which focused more on developing life skills, than those required in the sport themselves. Of the sports Daniel helped coach, Basketball was by far one of his greatest loves. He spent over 40 years dedicating his life to the game. One of his proudest coaching moments occurred when he was able to coach both of his daughters, Kristine and Carolyn during their youth. He enjoyed every quarter he was able to coach them before they both graduated. Throughout most of the last decade, Daniel was working with Sports Ambassadors, where during his mission trips he would not only teach Africans the proper basketball skills and mechanics, but also teach them how the word of God uniquely and purposefully integrates into their own lives. He believed strongly that God bestowed gifts upon us all and that it was important to use those gifts to the best of our ability to lead a more fulfilling life. Although his love for Jesus was unmatched, Daniel’s greatest love on earth was his wife, Sandy, and his family. Dan was truly devoted to his family and found some of his greatest joy spending time with them. Whether it was watching older western movies, or sneaking away for ice cream, Dan was a committed family man, and this is what he will be most known for by those who were close to him. Family and creating treasured traditions were important to Daniel. He loved his family unconditionally. Both his American family – and his African family. The many people Dan touched throughout his life knew him as a gifted storyteller. Truly a man of God, Dan loved talking with as many people as he could. In fact, we believe he’s telling stories in heaven about his time here on earth. We invite those of you who knew Dan to continue the conversation with him and share some of your own personal stories in the guest book attached. The family would enjoy reminiscing and Dan would enjoy seeing them too. We are grateful Dan’s faith is now made sight as he is with his Lord and Savior whom he served faithfully. A Memorial Service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, 43065 Joy Rd., Canton, Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 12:30 PM with a visitation from 9 AM until 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Daniel Brandel’s name may be made to: Send International: send.org Boys and Girls Bible Club: www.bibleclubs.org Sports Ambassadors: onechallenge.org Please share a memory of Dan on his Tribute Wall.