By MYRNA FAUSKA
Most of you probably had some interaction with Bob Brandau at some time or other during his long career as a local auctioneer. And by this time, you are aware that he went home to the Lord a week ago. His funeral was Saturday morning at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on South Ridge, where he was a lifelong member. After the service and interment, there was a reception at the Kendall Community Hall, which was filled to capacity with family, relatives and friends of Bob. He was a much-loved member of our community and well-liked by all who were blessed to have known him. He will be missed by many as heaven rejoices in his presence there.
Last Wednesday the Hill Country Belles Red Hats gals met at the historic Boorman House in Mauston and celebrated Christmas with lunch and a gift exchange. The next evening, the Helpful Homemakers had their Christmas party at the Kendall Legion Hall and enjoyed a potluck supper. The gals brought cookies to put into tins, which were given out to friends of the club. On Saturday at the Kendall Community Hall, I joined the throng celebrating Bob Brandau’s life.
Ron and Arlene Garvens picked up Jim and Mary Parkhurst for the homemakers’ party Thursday evening in Kendall. The next morning, Don and Donna De Witt of Ontario picked up the Parkhursts to go to the visitation for Bob Brandau at St. Matthew’s.
Saturday was a busy day for Arlene Garvens, as she began the day with a trip to Mauston for the KTY Jun Quilt Guild Christmas party at Hatch Public Library. She was later able to join Ron at the community hall, where he was helping the Kendall Lions serve beverages to the guests, and he also stayed for the cleanup afterward.
At the end of the neighborhood, Allan and Heather Vlasak also had a funeral to attend on Saturday, as they were in Cashton for the service at Trinity Lutheran Church for David Roalkvam, formerly of Elroy.
Lynette Vlasak and Sally Dana had their usual busy week beginning Monday night at the Royall Middle School and High School concerts. On Tuesday afternoon, Rita Yahnke and daughter Anita hosted a group of gals consisting of Lynette and Sally, Carol Fronk, Luann Huber, Betty Boeder and Cheryl Neitzel for a Christmas get-together. On Wednesday, Lynette and Sally helped deliver the Kendall Lions’ and Legionnaires’ Christmas bags to local senior citizens. At lunch time, they took out Diane Bunk and Vicki Ludeking in Tomah for Vicki’s belated birthday celebration. On Saturday morning, they attended Bob Brandau’s funeral at St. Matthew’s, and then helped serve guests at the reception in the Kendall Community Hall. On Sunday evening, they picked up Darlene Martalock on South Ridge and took her with them to the Wilton Community Christmas Concert.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all who are mourning the loss of loved ones during this holy season. What a blessing for the believers in Jesus Christ as their Savior to know that their dear ones are celebrating their first Christmas with the Lord this year. One day our turn will come, and Jesus will be there, surrounded by those who went before us, holding His arms out to welcome us home for eternity. In the meantime, we will continue to do our best to serve Him until He is ready to receive us in His presence one day. We have this promise because He came that first Christmas to save all believers from our sins. Hallelujah!