Marc Wayne Brandhorst 69, Springfield, MO passed away Thursday, April 1, 2021 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born on October 29, 1951, in Jefferson City, MO, to Herbert and Thelma (Schroff) Brandhorst.

From the age of 9 it was clear that Marc was an entrepreneur at heart. His early business ventures included selling candy at the Capitol in Jefferson City and starting his own newspaper route, which he was quickly managing after hiring a few helping hands. Each endeavor prepared him for taking over the family business, Brandhorst Battery Company, in 1980.

A proud business owner of over 20 years, Marc was a long-standing pillar of the Springfield community. Marc and his wife, Dianna custom built their home in Springfield, which was finished in 1989 after several quibbles about the number of acceptable bathrooms to include (they settled on 7). It was there they raised three children and devoted themselves to serving Springfield. Every Sunday Marc could be found in a full suit offering a smile and greeting to members of Schweitzer United Methodist Church, where he served as an usher. An active volunteer with Boy Scout Troop 7 and forever a people-person, Marc never met a stranger or forgot a face, even if he could not remember your name.

In his free time Marc was always tending to his immaculate lawn, prompting teasing from family about his constant love affair with yardwork. After a hard day of work Marc would bring home a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts or stop through the Wendy’s drive through to flash his junior frosty tag for a frosty (vanilla, of course).

Affectionately known as “Granddude,” Marc was a devoted father and loving grandfather. He spoiled his grandchildren, allowing them to get away with just about anything (even playing with the straps of his favorite Velcro shoes). His family was his greatest point of pride. His daughter, Marci, earned her Master’s of Education and now teaches in Washington, D.C.; his eldest son, Dustin, continues Marc’s legacy as a business owner and operator in Springfield; and Jeff, his youngest, earned a business degree from Drury University and now works as a database administrator and the family’s tech support.

Marc was preceded in death by his parents and oldest brother and sister-in-law, Lynn and Pamela Brandhorst of Los Gatos, California. He is survived by wife of 38 years Dianna, three children, Marcia Balkin and husband Dr. Ethan Balkin of Rockville, Maryland, Dustin Brandhorst and wife Erin with two grandchildren Landon and Lilliana and grandpuppy Bella of Springfield, MO, and Jeffrey Brandhorst and wife Dr. Jaclyn Brandhorst with two grandkitties Sophie and Noreo and grandpuppy Eva of Lee’s Summit, MO; brother and wife, Larry and DiAnne Brandhorst of Jefferson City, MO; as well as a number of loving and caring extended relatives.

Visitation will be held from 9:00am until 11:00am Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Schweitzer United Methodist Church in Springfield, MO, with a service immediately following. Burial at North Greenlawn Cemetery will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance designation for the Pete Gross House long term treatment residence, the Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks, or Schweitzer United Methodist Church Springfield, MO.