Evelyn G. “Peg” Brandau, 81, of Tomah died Monday, Feb. 8, 2010, at the Serenity House in Tomah.
She was born June 30, 1928, to Christ and Katherine (Flock) Baus in Monroe County. She was united in marriage to Carl Brandau on Aug. 28, 1946, in Norwalk. Together Carl and Peg made their home in Tomah. Her passion for caring and love for people led her on her life’s journey. Peg was instrumental, along with Lester Gordon, in opening and operating the first nursing home at Tomah Memorial Hospital, where she worked for many years. In her later years, she worked for Burnstad’s, past her 80th birthday; there, she was a “fashion fixture” in the ladies department. If she knew you, she loved you!
Her special friends were diverse in age, but they shared a special bond with her. Peg’s five granddaughters were her life. They shared so many special times with her. Each one had a unique connection with her. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
She is survived by a daughter, Diane Snyder of Tomah; a son, Sonny (Laura) Brandau of Tomah; her beloved granddaughters, Stacy (Marty) Deutsch of Lakeville, Minn., Kari (Mark) Wenholz of Mesquite, Texas, Amy (Brian) Brohmer of Tomah, Jessie (Mitch Elsing) of Tomah and Carly Brandau of Tomah; her precious great-grandchildren, Ashley Kunesh of St. Paul, Minn., Jenna (Jed) Lyons of San Clemente, Calif., Zach Kunesh of Winona, Minn., Trevor Wenholz of Mesquite, Texas, and Avery Jo Brohmer of Tomah; her dear devoted Ruby; a sister, Margaret Parson of Janesville; a sister-in-law, Ella Mae Brandau of La Crosse; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 63 years, Carl; a sister, Loretta (Hebert) Schmitz; two brothers, Norbert “Nub” (Anna Belle) Baus and Lambert (Garland) Baus; and six brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Roland Lydon, Eldon Parsons, Otto (Jo) Brandau, Dick (Emogene) Brandau, Edna (Maynard) Buchholz and Harvey Brandau.
The family wishes to thank the staff at the Liberty Village assisted living, where Peg resided, and the staff at the Serenity House for their kindness and compassion. A special thanks goes to Peg’s family and friends for their prayers and support.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Tomah. The Very Rev. Steven J. Kachel will officiate. Burial will be at a later date.
Relatives and friends are invited to call from 5–8 p.m. Friday at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home and one hour prior to Mass on Saturday at the church. A prayer service will be at 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
