Russell Leroy Brandenburg

Russell Leroy Brandenburg, of Harrison, passed away on December 8, 2020 at the age of 79.  He was born on August 8, 1941 in Beech Grove, Indiana to the late Donald and Hildreth (nee Sitter) Brandenburg.  He met Debra L. Senefeld and they were married on June 24, 1988.  

Russ accomplished so much in his 79 years. This year would have been his 44th year to work as a “yellow shirt” or safety patrol for the Indy 500.  It also would have been the 68th year in attendance. Russ was a USAC Mechanic and the only American mechanic to work for Jimmy Clark on Team Lotus when he won the Indianapolis 500 in 1965. Russ was a proud Graduate and Alumni of Purdue University 1973, achieving Bachelor’s Degrees in Graphic and Industrial Design. This fit him perfectly because he loved drawing.  He created Unique car drawings and had them autographed by drivers such as Rick Mears, Bobby Rahal, Mario Andretti, Dale Earnhardt Jr., & Carroll Shelby. Russ also enjoyed running: He ran the Columbus Marathon at age 50, Flying Pig Half-Marathon age 70 after beating Lung CA with partial lung removal and numerous Thanksgiving Day 10K races, Riverfest Runs and Cincinnati Mini Heart Marathons.  

Russ was a big kid at heart too.  He enjoyed coloring, the color blue, playing with the kids, and their toys... like LEGOS and collecting Hot Wheels.  He was great at making “Russ Jokes”, making new friends, always making time for others, and spreading cheer wherever he went.

He was the Founder/creator/member since 1993 of the V8- Registry for Corvair enthusiasts, member of CORSA Corvair Society of America, member of the Indianapolis 500 Oldtimers.  
You could say Russ enjoyed cars, however, it was just a portion of who he was. He was also a wonderful and supporting husband to Debra (nee Senefeld) Brandenburg.  The guy that always had the answer for all of his children:  Donald (Pam) Brandenburg, Russell (Sherry) Brandenburg, (late) James Brandenburg, Ronald (Kari) Schenk, Jayme (Stephen) Coriaty, Cynthia (Ben) Schenk/Green, Ashlee (Brad) Vannoy.  One of the Best grandpa's to Kelly (Brad) Webb, Jeremey Brandenburg, Alexandra & Nicholas Schenk, Oskar Green, Isabella & Logan Coriaty, and Ogden Vannoy.  He was also a dear brother to Shelia Corlette and the late Edward and Stuart (Kathryn) Brandenburg; and beloved uncle to numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. 

The family will be having a private gathering on December 20th to share our memories of our beloved Russ (wear something blue).  A more formal celebration of life will be planned in the spring, around the time of the Indianapolis 500 Speedway races. 

Memorial Contribution- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.  You may mail your check payable to the Above charity to Brater Winter Funeral Home and they will notify the family of your donations. 

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