Obit: Brasier, Darwin A. (1936 – 2016)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Brasier, Brice, Mattord, Brecht, LaBarge, Frost, Wills, Engevold, Cornell, Rossow

Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 19 Sep 2016

Brasier, Darwin A. (16 OCT 1936 – 16 SEP 2016)

DARWIN A. BRASIER, age 79, of Loyal, WI, died peacefully at his home on Friday, September 16, 2016, under the care of his family after a long battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, in Loyal. Rev. Steve Brice will officiate and burial of cremains will follow in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Church on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 from 4pm to 7pm, with a 6:45pm rosary service, and again on Wednesday, from 10am until time of service.

Darwin Albon Brasier was born on October 16, 1936 in Loyal, WI, to Gerald and Eva (Mattord) Brasier. He attended Loyal Elementary School and graduated from Loyal High School in 1955. Darwin served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany for 3 years, after which he returned home and was united in marriage to Janet B. Brecht on October 17, 1959 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, in Loyal, WI. They lived in Loyal until 1984, when they moved to a house in the country. He resided there until his death.

Darwin was a dedicated, hard-working man, who, at the age of 10, got his first job setting pins at the Loyal Bowling Alley for 10 cents per game. After his marriage to Janet, he had several occupations, including moving houses, working at a sawmill and feed mill, until he found his passion for truck driving. He became a long haul driver for Smith Feeds of Loyal, and later signed on to drive for Roehl Trucking of Marshfield, where he was awarded for outstanding performance in fuel economy, driver safety and years of service by the time of his retirement in 2003. He then drove part-time for Figi's, in Marshfield, as well as hauling forage for area farmers.

Darwin and Janet enjoyed snowmobiling, camping, fishing, motorcycling, shooting pool and playing cards, as well as spending quality time with family.

He was a volunteer fireman for many years, helped out with many church functions and the local historical society. Darwin was a very well-liked and respected individual, who loved telling stories and watching his Green Bay Packers. His long-haul handle was "Happy Hauler", mainly because of his infectious laugh that none of us will ever forget.

He will be sadly missed by his three daughters: Kim (David) LaBarge of Loyal, Laura Brasier of Marshfield, Dana Frost (Brian Wills) of Wisconsin Rapids; five grandchildren: Shannon (Mark) Engevold, Sarah (Jason) Cornell, David Jr. (Melinda) LaBarge, Mason (Alicia) Frost, Morgan Frost; seven great-grandchildren; three step-great grandchildren; two sisters: Ardith Rossow of Eugene, OR, Shirley Brecht of De Pere, WI; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Darwin was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Janet, on September 2, 2014; and one brother, Gerald Brasier, Jr.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.

Cuddie Funeral Home, of Loyal, is assisting the family with arrangements.