Obit: Brandl, Richard L. #2 (1939 - 2017)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Bartman, Bormann, Brandl, Brennan, Hommel, Leffel, Levens, Miklautsch, Moore, Neumann, Schmelzer

----Source: WIGM/WKEB Obituaries (Medford, WI) 1/23/2017

Brandl, Richard "Dick" L. (26 JAN 1939 - 17 JAN 2017)

Richard "Dick" L. Brandl, age 77 of Colby, WI passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 as a result of an automobile accident.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 27, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church in Colby. The Rev. Mark Neumann will officiate. Military Honors will be provided by the Unity American Legion Post #358. Family and friends are welcome from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 26 and from 10:00 a.m. until time of service Friday all at the church.

Dick was born January 26, 1939 to the late Ervin and Florence (Bormann) Brandl in Medford, WI. He attended Holy Rosary Catholic Grade School and graduated from Medford High School in 1957. Shortly after high school Dick joined the National Guard. He was called to active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1961 and also traveled with his unit to Germany for REFORGER exercises during the Cold War. Dick was honorably discharged in 1962 with the rank of Sergeant E-5.

In 1961, Dick married Phyllis Moore and began farming in the Stetsonville area until 1965. Together, they had 4 children: Sharon, Scott, Joyce, and Tanya. Dick and Phyllis later divorced.
In 1996, Dick married Beverly Leffel and gained 2 step-sons: Jeremy and Michael.

From farming to welding to bartending to loom-knitting and so much more; there wasn’t much Dick didn’t know about! He began his welding career at Pautsenbach Machine Shop and continued later at Melvin Fischer Mfg, Weather Shield Mfg, and Creative Automation where he worked until he retired in 2010. Beginning in 1967, Dick tended bar as a second job in Spencer, The House of David in Abbotsford, Duke’s Bowling Alley, and then also the Casa Grande.

He was someone who seemed to know everyone and would often introduce himself as “The Middle Guy”…’Like any Tom, Dick, or Harry…I’m Dick, the Middle Guy!’ One of the other things Dick was known for was his amazing memory! He never forgot a face or a name; and would also remember your drink of choice if you were someone who met him in his bartending days. Dick spent many hours volunteering his time, especially at his church, the Zion Lutheran Church in Colby. Dick was also a member of the North Central WI Antique Steam & Gas Engine Club and volunteered for their annual event every year. He loved to listen to Polka music and loom-knit gifts for friends and family.

Dick is survived by his wife Beverly, his children Sharon (Dean) Hommel of Medford; Scott Brandl of Thorp; Joyce (John Levens) Brandl of Watertown; Tanya Brandl of Gilman; Jeremy (Rebecca) Schmelzer of Colby; and Michael (Deanna) Schmelzer of Stevens Point. He is also survived by his sisters Sandra Brennan of Merrill; Barbara Miklautsch of Antioch, IL; and his brothers Alan (Lenore) Brandl of Medford; Larry Brandl of Medford; and his Aunt Joyce (Bormann) Bartman.

Dick was also blessed with several grandchildren: Morgan, Mathew (Enita), Tyler (Brittney), Carla, Harley, Halie, Xander, Alana, and Wyatt; as well as 3 great grandchildren: Nathan, Sean, and Andrea. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers-in-law: James Brennan and Peter Miklautsch, and a daughter-in-law: Kathy Brandl.

Dick was loved much and will be missed by many.