Neva Brendsel

Neva Josephine Brendsel, 95, Rio Terra Retirement Community, New Braunfels, Texas died July 30, 2016 at her home due to congestive heart failure.

Neva was born March 9, 1921 in Cottonwood, Minnesota to Ava and Rasmus Kleppe. She spent her childhood in Cottonwood and was the younger of 2 girls. She attended public school in Cottonwood and graduated from High School there in 1939.

Neva was married to Rolland Brendsel, the oldest son of Anna (Lula) and Knute Brendsel, on November 23, 1945 in Cottonwood, Minnesota and ultimately ended up living in Baltic, SD after Rolland was discharged from the army.

After they moved to Baltic, both Neva and Rolland were very active in the Baltic community and lived there until they retired.

During World War II, Neva worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” in California. After her kids got a little older she worked in the Minnehaha County Welfare Office.

Neva and Rolland retired in 1980 and eventually moved to the McAllen, Texas area, but commuted back to their lake home on Lake Poinsett, SD for many years during the summers. They eventually lived full-time in Texas. They were both very active in their retirement community in Mission, Texas often coordinating community events for the residents there. Neva spent much of her time crocheting and playing golf. She was proud of her ‘hole in one’ at the community golf course. After she decided she’d had enough golf Neva began making Hardanger embroidery pieces. She donated many Christmas ornaments to her church in Texas which are still used today. After Rolland died in 2014, Neva moved to Rio Terra in New Braunfels, Texas.

Neva and Rolland were long time members of the Baltic Lutheran Church but moved their membership to Trinity Lutheran Church when moving to Texas, and later to Our Savior Lutheran Church in McAllen, Texas.

Neva is survived by 3 children; Richard (and Michal) Brendsel, Marlin (and Sherry) Brendsel, and Darlene (and Tom) Phelan; 5 grandchildren, Lucas, Erick, Camille, Daniel and Stefanie; 10 great grandchildren, Ethan, Adin, Alyssa, McKenzie, Bret, Briella, John, Anna, Elinor and Scarlett.

Neva was preceded in death by Rolland, her husband of 69 years, her father Rasmus, her mother Ava, and her sister Reba.

A memorial service will be held graveside at St. Olaf Cemetery, Baltic, South Dakota September 24, 2016 at noon. Following the service, an open house will be held at the Baltic Legion Hall.

In lieu of flowers please direct memorials to Baltic Lutheran Church.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers, cards, visits and calls during this time.