Paul G. “Smedley” Brandau, 65, of Sparta, passed away Saturday, January 2, 2021, at Gundersen Health System, La Crosse. Paul was born on June 6, 1955, to Harold “Dick” and Emogene (DeWitt) Brandau in Sparta, WI.
Paul grew up in Wilton, WI and graduated from Royal High School in 1973. In 1974 Paul married the love of his life, Kristi Klein of Ontario, WI. In 1978, they moved to Sparta, where he was employed by Dutch Mill Farms. In 1983, Paul worked for Martin Trucking of Tomah, WI for the next 23 years. He worked for several trucking companies including Neubauer Trucking, where he last worked. Paul dedicated 41 years to the road “backing up more miles than you drove forward.”
Paul loved the farm life, the fairs, participating in 4-H with his girls and later in life with his granddaughter. He enjoyed spending time with each of his grandkids and watching them grow. He often encouraged them to “be mischievous” and relished the moments when they took his advice.
Paul looked forward to his annual fishing trip to South Dakota with his brothers and nephews. Paul also loved to play a round of golf with his friends and family.
Paul is survived by his loving wife of over 46 years, Kristi; three daughters, Kacy Nuehring, Kory (Aaron) Lueck, Katy (Prescott) Brown; five grandchildren, Haydn and Hadly Bernett, Clara Brown, Bentley and Lily Lueck. He is further survived by his brothers, Richard (Carol) of Holmen, WI, David (Cathy), of Wilton, WI; a sister, Mary Ellen Brandau of Holmen; two sisters-in-law, Connie (Paul) McCusker, of Dallas, TX and Karen (Don) Steindorf, of Wisconsin Dells, WI; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Emogene; his son, Matthew Paul Brandau; a granddaughter, Ella Leis Brown; Father and mother-in-law, Given and Dorothy Klein.
A Celebration of Paul’s Life will be held from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta. Private family burial will be held at a later time. Memorials and condolences may be forwarded to: 1051 Evenson Drive, Sparta, WI 54656. You may also leave a condolence for the Brandau family at www.schanhoferfh.com
The Brandau family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff at Gundersen Health Systems for their dedicated care and compassion during this difficult time.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
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