Donald L. “Brandy” Brandenburg

Donald L. “Brandy” Brandenburg, age 83, quietly passed away following a day of doing the things he loved best; fishing, cocktail hour and dinner. He was born in Clintonville, to the late Joe and Lois (Wulk) Brandenburg. From 1958 to 1961, he proudly served his country in the United States Army. On June 8, 1977, he married Bonnie Bedat and they enjoyed 46 years together. He was the owner/operator of Brandy’s Bar for 27 years, starting the Brandy’s Cribbage League that met weekly for over 40 years (and is still going strong). Don was a Green Bay Packer season-ticket holder and a member of the Monday Quarterback Club for over 30 years. He enjoyed golf, Karaoke and baseball; he played baseball into his 30s and coached little league when his son was involved, as well as a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. He was honored with a coveted Red Smith award in 1998. Some of Don’s greatest accomplishments were in bowling. He was a member of the Fox Cities USBC Bowling Association for over 60 years, holds the record for Most Pins and Most Games, which is still held to this date, and was elected into the Bowling Hall of Fame in 1991. He was a manager of Super Bowl for eight years, a Junior Bowling Coach and taught high school bowling. Don has been an elected secretary of the Industrial Bowling League for over 40 years and for over 30 years bowled in the National USBC tournament, traveling nationally. He and Bonnie would travel together during those years, and after he retired, they enjoyed many other adventures. His favorite home away from home was Lake Minocqua, where he spent his last day fishing, accompanied by his sidekicks Dennis and Don.

Brandenburg

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, children; Linda Blazek and Mike (Karen) Brandenburg, grandsons; Brent Bendixen, Drew Bendixen (fiancé Brittany Haebig), Nick Bendixen (fiancé Samantha Patterson) and Ryan Brandenburg, granddaughter-in-law; Amy Bendixen, great-grandchildren; Eli, Skyler, Morgan, Cade, and soon to arrive baby boy Bendixen, Beckett and Jack. Don is further survived by his brothers, William (Naomi) Brandenburg and Kent Brandenburg, sisters-in-law, Eileen Brandenburg, Diane Brandenburg, Patsy Brandenburg, Debbie Vander Velden, Pam (Kevin) Bedat-Fitzpatrick and Lori (Keith) Bedat-Smith, nieces and nephews; Merri Jo (Joe) Schaubroeck, Bruce (Lisa) Brandenburg, David (Noel) Brandenburg Jr., Matthew (Lisa) Brandenburg, Jay (Anne) Brandenburg, Tamela Brandenburg, Angie Brandenburg, Sam Vander Velden, Mac Vander Velden, Billy (Rachel) Bedat-Smith, Bobbi (Zach) Koehler and Frannie Bedat-Fitzpatrick, who is also his godchild, great-nephew Parker, great-nieces Jasmine (his joke & riddle text buddy), Isabella & Olivia, cousin Barb Lutzewitz (his only “sister”) other relatives & friends, too many to count, and his special golfing-fishing-bowling-cribbage playing friends; Dennis Kroes, Don Penfield, Marty Van Domelen and Jim Henes.

Preceding him in death are his parents, brothers; Dave Brandenburg, Jim Brandenburg and Dan Brandenburg, his father and mother-in-law William and Lorraine Bedat and brother-in-law, Pete Vander Velden. An aunt & uncle: Martin & Adele Lutzewitz (like a second set of parents)

Family and friends may gather on Sunday, October 8, at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond St, Appleton from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1:30 p.m., with Rev. Dennis Ellisen officiating. Following the service, a military funeral honors ceremony will be conducted. After the ceremony, please join us at Mark’s Eastside for a celebration of Don’s life starting at 2:30 p.m. If you are unable to attend the service, we would love for you to join us for the celebration at Mark’s Eastside, 1405 E. Wisconsin Ave., Appleton. In lieu of flowers and other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund is being established.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the EMTs of Woodruff, and the staff and doctors at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau, for all of the wonderful care and compassion shown to Don and his family.