Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone, Because I know He holds the future and life is worth the living, just because He lives.
Daniel “Thumber” Scott Brandenburg, age 68, Marion, went to his heavenly home with his loving wife and daughter by his side on Monday, August 26th, 2019, after a courageous 2 ½ year battle with cancer.
Dan was born on October 6, 1950 in Clintonville, the son of Joseph and Lois (Wulk) Brandenburg. He was baptized and confirmed at the First United Methodist Church, Marion. He spent his entire life in Marion, graduating from Marion High School in 1969 and from Viterbo College, La Crosse, WI, with a degree in Printing & Publishing.
On July 7, 1973 he married the love of his life, Patsy R. Klitz, at Zion Lutheran Church, Caroline. They lived their entire life in Marion, and on May 12, 1980, God gave them the most precious gift of all, their beautiful daughter, Angie Marie, which he loved more than words could ever say.
Dan’s passion for publishing began early as he began as a “Printer’s Devil” at The Marion Advertiser, and he was proud to say that he continued at the same place of employment for over 50 years. On December 1st, 1985 the family purchased the newspaper, and Dan’s compassion for everyone was shown through his many columns and articles he wrote.
Dan’s faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was no secret as he shared his love through his kindness and compassion for everyone he met and through his writings.
He was a long-time Green Bay Packer fan and cherished attending most games with his dear niece Christa Krause, including a once in a lifetime opportunity when they attended the Super Bowl in San Diego.
In high school, Dan was a catcher for the Marion Mustang baseball team which won many conference baseball championships and went to the 1966 State Championship under his coach and good friend, Mr. John Bartelt. He also had the honor of being a member of the Marion Mustang basketball team which was coached by Mr. Dick Bennett. He was a member of the Marion BABA Grand Championship Team.
Later in life Dan took up golfing. Most golfers dream of a “hole in one”, but he didn’t have to dream as he not only had one, but two “holes in one” at Perry’s Landing, Marion, both on Hole No. 8. He enjoyed spending time on the golf course with his wife and daughter, along with playing in league, in which his team won the league championship several times.
Dan loved the outdoors, especially hunting both deer and turkey. His most favorite, however, was turkey hunting in the spring where he could get up early in the morning, head to the woods and enjoy all of God’s beauty, capturing many photos of birds, wildlife and nature, which he loved sharing with everyone.
You could find Dan every morning at 5:00 AM sitting, visiting and having coffee with his many friends at Steve & Mary’s Main Street Café. He cherished that time so much.
Dan served the community in so many different ways helping and donating wherever he was needed. He was currently serving as president of the Marion Area Historical Society.
Dan is survived by his wife of 46 years, Patsy; his beautiful daughter, Angie Marie; three brothers, William (Naomi) Brandenburg of Poplar Grove, Illinois, Donald (Bonnie) Brandenburg of Appleton, Kent Brandenburg of Marion; mother-in-law, Beatrice Klitz of Caroline; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Eileen Brandenburg of Beaver Dam, Diane Tieman of Columbus, Dale Klitz of Caroline, Shirley and Ken Strassburg of Bowler, Bonnie and Russ Ehlert of Caroline, Elaine Beaulieu and Jack Nell of Marion, Jane Marquardt of Tigerton; nephews and nieces, Jeff (Jeni) Strassburg, Wendy (Steve) Schweighardt, Joel (Amanda) Strassburg, Christa Krause, Skeeter (Heather) Beaulieu, Jay (Missey) Teske, Merri Jo (Joe) Schaubroeck, Mike (Karen) Brandenburg, Linda Blazek, Bruce (Lisa) Brandenburg, David (Noelle) Brandenburg, Matthew Brandenburg, Jay (Anne) Brandenburg, Tamela Brandenburg.
Dan is also survived by his Godchildren, Tamela Brandenburg and Sophie Pagel; along with special great-nieces and nephews, Jacob and Alyssa Strassburg, Noah and Cody Schweighardt, Nathan, Kylie, Naomi, Elise Beatrice, and Molly Strassburg, Addison VanPay, Megan and Aidan Beaulieu and Jeffery Teske.
While owning the newspaper many students worked for the Brandenburgs, and became part of their family, Tracy, Tara, Laura, Tonia, Cormac, Terry and Tommy. Each of you had a special place in his heart.
Finally, Dan considered everyone he met through the newspaper as family. He loved Marion, but also considered Tigerton, Caroline, Leopolis, Big Falls, Pella, Clintonville and all the surrounding area as his home. He loved his time he spent visiting with everyone.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brothers David and James Brandenburg; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Faye Brandenburg Root and Beverly and Wayne Yaeger, Jim Beaulieu, Donald Krause, Otto Marquardt, Sr.; nephew Jeremy Yaeger; father-in-law, Ruben Klitz.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 28th at 12:00 Noon at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Marion. Pastor Don Staude and Pastor Skip Robertson will officiate. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:00 AM until of service at the church. Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Marion, is assisting the family.
The family would like to thank everyone for the visits and prayers. Special thank you to Dr. Cynthia Egan, The Cancer team of Dr. Matthias Weiss, Stefanie Zuleger Nurse Practitioner Specialist, Tammy, Emily, Kelly Rae, Abbey, Brooke and the rest of the staff, Molly Selberlich Johnson and her therapy dogs, the Clintonville Area Ambulance Service and Joyce Phalen. Also, to our neighbors, Dave and Sue for all you have done, and to our family for everything you have done to help. We couldn’t have done it without you. We love all of you.
In closing we would like to share Dan’s final post on Facebook on August 24, 2019:
My dear friends. This will be my final post. Yesterday I was feeling great like I have for a couple weeks. We believed the immunotherapy was working as all my tests indicated. I was having a good day yesterday until 1:30 when all of a sudden, my stomach became bloated with a lot of pain. I got severe chills. I hoped it would calm down but that didn’t happen. We got in touch with my cancer team and they said we should go to Shawano ER. We thought we’d just get a blood or iron infusion. I wish! An X-ray showed something abnormal. I was transferred to ThedaCare Regional Medical Center ICU. They ordered a CAT scan which showed a perforated stomach. This is a death sentence. Both the surgeons and Dr. Weiss agreed that surgery wasn’t an option. The bottom line – I have only a few days left. I am fully prepared and so is my family. I beat cancer for much longer than anyone ever expected. I fought a courageous battle and my victory is everlasting life in God’s heavenly kingdom. I would like to thank everyone for their support, encouragement, kind words and prayers. Never take life for granted and live every day like it could be your last. God bless all of you and I’ll see you on the other side.