Nathanael Brandemihl

A tribute in loving memory of Nathanael Michael Brandemihl.

Nathanael Michael Brandemihl passed away unexpectedly at his home on November 1st, 2025, at the age of 45. Born in Bozeman, Montana, on April 20th, 1980, to (Alan) Dale Brandemihl and Korre Thompson. Nathanael was proud to be a seventh-generation born Montanan.

He is a beloved son, husband, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, son-in-law, friend to all, boss, Chief, and pillar in his community. His most important and cherished role would be that of Dad to Dashael and Titan (or “DaDa” as Titan would still affectionately refer to him), and bonus dad to Lane and Masson.

A year and a half after Nathanael’s birth, he was joined by his younger brother, Matthew. At the age of three, Nathanael, Korre, and Matthew moved to Island Park, Idaho, to be with family and help run the family business, The A-bar Supper Club. Nathanael’s strong work ethic began early, as he worked alongside his family.

He loved growing up in Island Park – as it would provide endless adventures and maybe a little mischief. From playing in the woods, riding his bicycle all over, exploring on his dirt bike or snowmobile, to fishing and boating – he embraced every moment. If Nathanael wasn’t outside in the midst of adventures or a bit of mischief, you could find him taking things apart just to see how they worked (nothing was off limits – not even the family VCR!)

Nathanael would speak fondly of his trips out of town with his Grandma Wilma, driving to Oregon, several times throughout his childhood.

And of his many family adventures with his Mom and brother.

Nathanael attended Ashton Elementary and North Fremont High School. He enjoyed his years of playing football and would often tell his family stories of those days.

Out of high school Nathanael would marry and later divorce.

In November of 2011 he would welcome his first born son, Dashael Michael Brandemihl, with April Blackburn.

After first meeting in 2002 and reuniting in 2012, Nathanael would go on to marry “the only woman he ever wanted to be with,” Brianne (Huff) of Rushford, New York. They were married on July 27, 2013, in Ellicottville, New York. This marriage would blend two boys, Lane and Masson, into Nathanael’s life. They would later welcome their last boy, Titan Thompson Brandemihl in August of 2014.

Into adulthood, Nathanael’s wealth of knowledge and passion for tinkering led to countless projects. Nothing he owned ever stayed stock – he rebuilt and modified everything – from his teenage car, the Baja Bug, to every snowmobile, motorcycle, car or truck he ever owned.

Nathanael’s passions extended far beyond his projects. He loved music, going to concerts, history, learning facts about anything and everything, even what he would call “useless knowledge.” His stories were legendary; he remembered every detail and loved sharing those memories.

And of course, no one will ever forget his endless dad jokes.

He enjoyed making breakfast on the weekends for his family, cheering for his favorite NFL team, the Philadelphia Eagles, golfing, boating, camping, side by side rides, snowmobiling, and riding the Harley with his “Miss B.”

In recent years, life was also spent on the sidelines or in the bleachers, supporting the boys in whatever sport they were currently involved in.

Over the years, Nathanael worked various jobs, but he spoke most often of his time working at Belgrade Sales and Service, working on the railroad in Virginia City, and doing construction with his best friend, Jade. In 2004, Nathanael – or “Sandman” – as many would come to call him, started his own construction company.

Nathanael selflessly served his community by joining the Island Park Fire Department in 2001 at the age of 21 and dedicated the next 24 years to protecting and serving others. He rose through the ranks to become Fire Chief in 2016, a position he held with great pride, honor, and devotion.

Nathanael was preceded in death by his grandparents Larry and Helen Thompson, James Brandemihl, and Wilma Staat, his uncle Harlee Thompson, Brian Huttinger, Kenneth Strandberg, aunt Loanne Strandberg, cousin Chris Huttinger, and brother Matthew.

He is survived by his father, Dale Brandemihl of Belgrade, Montana; his mother, Korre Thompson of Island Park, Idaho; his son, Dashael Brandemihl of Salem, Virginia; the love of his life, Brianne Brandemihl; his son, Titan Brandemihl; and his step-sons Lane and Masson Klink, all of Island Park, Idaho. He is also survived by step-siblings; Noah Brandemihl, David Brandemihl, Troy Hull, Mandy Tix, Justin Tix, Stephanie Winder, Brian (Kasey) Archer; his mother-in-law, as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

Nathanael will be loved and cherished forever in the hearts of his family, friends, and the many lives he’s touched. His larger than life stature, remarkable smile, unique eyes, the sound of his voice, and his incredible laugh will be missed from now until forever.

Rest in peace now, my love.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on November 13, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Baxter Funeral Home in Ashton. A Celebration of Life will be held on November 15, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the TroutHunter in Island Park.