NICOLAUS (NICK) BRENDEMUHL

Nicolaus (Nick) Brendemuhl

December 13, 1956 – March 20, 2023

Nicolaus Kent Brendemuhl, 66, Hope, ND, died Monday, March 20, 2023, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND surrounded by his family after a very short battle with cancer.

Nick was born December 13, 1956, in Cooperstown, ND, the son of Leonard and Zelda (French) Brendemuhl. He grew up and attended school in Hope, ND and graduated from Hope High School in 1975. On February 5, 1977, he married the love of his life, Janee Leadbetter, at Luverne Lutheran Church in Luverne, ND.

After high school he went to work on the Brendemuhl family farm where he resided north of Hope.  In the winter months he would work as an electrician at Hope Electric. Then in 2000, he transitioned away from farming and became a full-time electrician for Hope Electric where he worked between part-time and full-time for the last 44 years.

Nick has served on countless boards, acting in numerous roles in the community including Fire District Chairman, Church Board of Trustees, Hugo Township Chairman, Hope-Page School Board Member, and Hope Elevator Board Member.

He was very passionate about his community including the Sons of the American Legion where he served as the Commander. He was always involved in helping the community and rarely had a town project he wasn’t involved in. He helped renovate the White Elephant, helped coordinate the relocation of the EDC houses, was part of the renovation of the American Legion as well as the Hope Golf Course. He played an instrumental role in building and maintaining the Hope Early Learning Center daycare where he was well known as “Grandpa Nick” to all of the children.

He had many hobbies over the years, including hunting, bowling leagues, playing softball, golfing and whist club. He also loved fishing and tending to his garden. Even though he transitioned away from farming, it has always been a love of his. He had a love for animals, which include his three cats, Nala, Simba, and Mufasa.

Nick’s biggest enjoyment was spending time with his family, and in the last 15 years he spent much of his time running after his 6 beautiful granddaughters, Brinley, Kennedy, Brooklyn, Cambrey, Kendall, and Keeley. He could never say NO to them.  

Nick had a very strong faith. His Church and God were a huge part of his life. His relationship with God gave him strength throughout his life and peace during his final days. 

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Janee, Hope ND; son, Jeremy Brendemuhl, Audubon MN; daughter Jessica (Clay) Jacobsen, Luverne, ND; daughter Jenna (Justin) Farkas, Mapleton, ND; Siblings Scott Brendemuhl, Fountain Hills, AZ; Roxy (Joel) Fuglestad, Hope, ND; Lisa (Neil) Flaten, West Fargo, ND; Stacy (Mark) Jacobsen, Luverne, ND; mother-in-law Delores Leadbetter, Luverne, ND; sisters-in-law Camille (Dave) Kainz, Ottawa, KS; RaeAnn Evans, Lansing, KS; Jody (Mark) Svenningsen, Luverne, ND, Pat Brendemuhl, Hope, ND ; brother-in-law Alan (Cathy) Leadbetter, Luverne, ND; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Zelda Brendemuhl; brother Barry Brendemuhl; father-in-law Raymond Leadbetter and best buddy Wade Ihry.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 25, 2023, from 2:00-4:00 pm with the funeral service starting at 4:00 pm at the Hope Public School in Hope, ND. Fellowship and meal will be at the Hope American Legion following the service.

In lieu of flowers the family would like memorials to go to the Hope American Legion or Trinity Lutheran Church.