Peter Brandl

A fond farewell to Peter (Pete) who left us on December 20th, 2018. He is sorely missed by his wife, Jeanne and his family and friends.

Peter was born in Wausau to parents, John and Marion (Sust) Brandl, on March 11, 1951. He was the 5th child of John and Marion, who had lost 3 of their children to cystic fibrosis. One sister, Jean (Sewacki), survives. He has three nephews: Rory Roberts (wife, Diane and their sons) in California, Matthew Sewacki (wife Val) and Mark Sewacki (wife, Becky and 2 sons, Sam & Max), both in Wisconsin. He has many remaining in-laws: Judy & Mike Dudek, Ellen Mittlesteadt, John Bellgraph, Linda Bellgraph & Kim Lang, Susan & Steve Gross, many nieces and nephews. He was especially close to the Ellen’s children: Sam, Joe, Becky, Gabrielle & Meg. Jeanne’s mother, Ina Mae Peck Bellgraph (deceased) were close as they had Genealogy in common. We lost Charlie Bellgraph in July, David and Dick previously.

He attended St. Anne’s for elementary school and Newman for High School, graduating in 1969. He then attended North Central Technical College, University of Wisconsin Marathon County and U.W. Green Bay.

He met Jeanne, in 1977, on a blind date. The connection was electric and lasted more than 40 years. They married May 15, 1979.  Peter adopted Jeanne’s daughter, Elsa, age 7; Zachary P was born a few years later and was the result of much effort and encouragement from Peter for his wife.

During and after college, he worked as a carpenter and found his niche there, becoming a foreman for his last employer in that field and before starting his own business. After a few years he was convinced that working for the county was a more stable option and was hired at the Marathon County Park Department, where he worked for almost 30 years. He retired about 3 years ago. During all of those years he moonlighted as a carpenter to work with Dick and Bob doing his favorite job. One could call him a workaholic.

During those years he built 3 houses for himself and remodeled one. When the remodeled house sold, he used the proceeds to build a beautiful home in the town of Hewitt and moved in 2000, that house was sold to build a retirement home in the town of Wausau. Sadly, he was unable to fully complete the newest house before he left us.

Despite constantly working, he loved to work on Genealogy. He spent many winters filling up folders of documented information and summers traveling in an old motorhome visiting cemeteries and churches locating several families’ records. He also liked collecting antiques (inspired by his mother), Toby mugs, various old bottles, and others. He landscaped each place where he lived, planned scenery and moved boulders, planted many types of flowers and plants, loved gardening and prided himself on growing the tallest tomato plants.

Current pets are Poppy, a one-eyed, black and white Shih Tzu and Zeus, a mostly black Shih Tzu, adopted from the Shih Tzu Rescue.

Peter’s friends are many, but the closest are Bob & Chris, Mel & Paula, Mike & Helen, and Kathy. Past friends he kept in touch with were Jay (deceased), David, and Jerry. He was very fond of the relationships with Jeanne’s family and his own. Since moving to his current home he had become friendly with his new neighbors:  Brian, Andy & Britt, and Carl, Louis & Kelly.

Peter was the most genuine and sincere person most of us could ever know. He cared about everyone, was willing to help anyone, would give advice to everyone. He deserves recognition for his kindness and supportive personality. We are privileged to have known him.

(Please forgive me if I’ve left anyone out who was close to Peter. I’m not thinking clearly these days.)

Visitation will be held Thursday, December 27, 2010 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Brainard Funeral Home, 522 Adams Street, Wausau.