Michael "Mike" Steven Brankle

Michael “Mike”  Steven Brankle, 78, of Kokomo passed away on Wednesday December 24, 2025, at Century Villa in Greentown. A lifelong resident of Kokomo, Mike was born May 15, 1947, the son of Clarence “Pete” and Anne (Cunningham) Brankle. Mike will lovingly be remembered as the friendly, red-haired man who never met a stranger.

Mike is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Janet (Trueblood) Brankle, who he married on April 19, 1969, at Northview Christian Church. Mike is also survived by his only child, a daughter, Amy (Brankle) Thurmond, and her husband Craig Thurmond, along with his granddaughter, Kate Thurmond.

Mike graduated from Western High School in 1965 and was employed at Chrysler Transmission for 34 ½ years. He enjoyed his retirement traveling, looking for treasures at antique stores, collecting Greentown Glass, volunteering, and spending time with his daughter, particularly cherishing his time with his granddaughter Kate. Mike was a 50-year member of South Side Christian Church where he served in many roles throughout the decades, including Chairman of the Property and Stewardship committees. Mike was also immensely proud to support the Western High School marching band during his daughter’s high-school years from 1985-1989, including helping manage uniforms and ultimately serving as president of the band parents.

Mike is preceded in death by aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as his wife’s family who he considered his own: brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert “Bob” and Phylis Trueblood; Encil and Sandy Trueblood; John and Marty Trueblood; Marvin and Deloris Trueblood; Bill Trueblood; and David Trueblood. Mike is survived by his sister-in-law, Midge Trueblood and many nieces and nephews, as well as several cousins.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 to 7 pm Tuesday December 30, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, IN 46902. A funeral service celebrating Mike’s life will begin 10:30 am Wednesday December 31, 2025, at South Side Christian Church, 201 E. Markland Ave., Kokomo, IN 46901, with Pastor Lynne Kreiger and Rev. Chuck Babcock officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Mike’s memory to South Side Christian Church. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.