Obit: Bryan, John B. (1903-1983)

Contact: Kathleen E. Englebretson

Email: kathy@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Bryan, Buddenhagen, Pagenkopf, Smitke, Whittle, Cummings, McMillan, Roder, Droster

---Source: Marshfield News-Herald (16 February 1983)

Bryan, John B. (29 July 1903 - 15 February !983)

NEILLSVILLE -- Service for John B. Bryan, 79, Route 2, Neillsville, who died Tuesday at Memorial Hospital, will be Friday at United Church of Christ, Neillsville.

The Rev. Gary L. Clark will officiate and burial will be in Neillsville Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Bruce Bryan, Troy Buddenhagen, Greg Buddenhagen, Todd Bryan, Raymond Pagenkopf Jr. and Patrick Bryan. Visitation will be at the Gesche Funeral Home.

He was born July 29, 1903, in Verona, and received his education there. In 1916, he moved with his parents to a farm in the Town of Levis, Clark County, and farmed with them for several years. He was employed by the Clark County Highway Department for 42 years, retiring in 1968. He served as president of its local union for many years.

He and Cecelia Smitke were married September 15, 1937, in Abbotsford. They operated Bryan's Old Folks Home in Neillsville from 1965-76. He was a member of the United Church of Christ.

Surviving is his wife; three daughters, Mrs. Bryl (Sharon) Buddenhagen and Mrs. Raymond (LaVonne) Pagenkopf, both of Neillsville, and Mrs. Pat (Karen) Whittle of Glendale Heights, Illinois, and Eugene and Arlyn "Butch" Bryan, both of Neillsville; four sisters, Agnes Cummings of Alma Center, Jessie McMillan of Sycamore, Illinois, Nellie Roder of Waukesha and Edith Droster of Douglas, Wyoming; one brother, George of Neillsville; and 19 grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a son, Jerome; a brother, Walter; sister, Elizabeth; and two grandchildren.