Steven Brandlein

Steven David Brandlein, 80, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, at home with loving care from family and friends.

Steven was born on February 21, 1945, to Roy C. and Dottie M. Brandlein. He grew up in University Heights, a suburb of Indianapolis, Indiana. There he learned to ride his bike and play football. After graduating from Emmerich Manual High School he went on to complete a BA degree from Indiana University John Herron School of Art.

While at Indiana University he eagerly joined a unique group of spelunkers and to his mother's dismay he spent free time exploring caves in southern Indiana and West Virginia. Those adventurous classmates are among his friends today.

Steven spent 6 years in the Army National Guard of Indiana before beginning his lifetime vocation restoring vintage furniture, painting, becoming an accomplished pool and billiard player, winning chess and Scrabble, mastering vocal and instrumental music and winning the national tomahawk throwing competition at Friendship for 8 successive years.

Steve lived a simple life in his cabin in the woods. He cared deeply for his aging relatives and friends, his pets and the wildlife, including snakes, that visited him. He spent many hours walking through the woods gathering mushrooms and planting Ginseng

He is survived by his brother Richard Brandlein of Phoenix, Arizona, his sister Nancy Brandlein Knapp of Spencer, Indiana and extended family members. His parents and a brother James Brandlein preceded him in death.

A special thank you to the oncology staff at Putnam County Hospital. We appreciate your 4 years of loving care.

A gathering to celebrate Steve's life will be held at his home on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 2 pm. Friends and family are invited to attend and share memories.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Cremation Society of Indiana. 4115 Shelby St Indianapolis, IN 46227

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