Obit: Brehm, George M. (1921 - 2017)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Brehm, Gershefske, Juza, Laabs, Lekies, Sackmann, Schneiders

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 8/23/2017

Brehm, George M. (19 OCT 1921 - 22 AUG 2017)

George M. Brehm, 95, of Medford, passed away peacefully at his home on August 22, 2017.

Born at home on October 19, 1921 to Henry and Mary (Schneiders) Brehm in Medford, he attended Holy Rosary Catholic School and Medford High School graduating in 1940. He and two classmates traveled to California via Route 66.

As a young man he worked at Bootzin’s Feed Mill and Medford Lumber & Fuel. He was working on the family farm at the time of his marriage to Mabel Lekies on May 17, 1944 which started a partnership which lasted over 73 years. They then purchased their own farm in the Town of Little Black and George proceeded to build a new home on the property with the help of his father-in-law, Emil Lekies. Besides working on the farm with his wife he also worked for Klingbeil Lumber for a period of time. After working with several local builders and an area electrician he started building on his own with the help of his sons over the years. He went on to build numerous homes in Taylor and the surrounding counties. George was instrumental in the development of the Roberta subdivision in Medford.

He and Mabel sold their farm in 1970 and worked full time building until his retirement. They would live at their present address from then on. George was a long time active member of Chelsea Conservation Club. He was kept busy after retirement caring for and selling Christmas trees as well as building and selling picnic tables. He enjoyed competing in horseshoe tournaments as well as playing good competitive sheepshead cards. A trip to a casino to play blackjack was known to happen.

Their road trips would take them to the World’s Fair in Knoxville, TN, driving the Alaskan Highway to Alaska and trips to the Southwest, California and Yellowstone. A Caribbean cruise and a trip out of Vancouver through the Inside Passage to Alaska was also taken. Their month long trip through Europe would exceed all their expectations.

George and Mabel enjoyed camping with family at Big Chetek Lake, Canadian fishing trips and to many other destination. Hunting trips to Colorado, Wyoming and Manitoba with the help of his oldest son David were always looked forward to.

He is survived by his wife Mabel and five children: David (Grace) Brehm of Medford, Lyle (Pauline) Brehm of Schofield, Bruce (Joan) Brehm of Medford, Rebecca (Charles) Gershefske of Lincoln, NE and Daniel (Cathy) Brehm of Ramsey, MN. 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 3 great great-grandchildren and one sister-in-law Pearl Sackmann of Stetsonville.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Earl (Helen), Marvin (Toni), Harlan (Lenore), Elmer (Lavera); sister: Marie (Henry) Laabs; one nephew and one grandchild.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, August 28 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford with Father Phil Juza officiating. Visitation will be Monday, August 28 at 9:00 AM until the time of service 11:00 AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to George’s family to be designated at a later date.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements.

Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.