Brian A. McAnany, 51, of Coon Rapids, Minn., died unexpectedly Friday, May 13, 2016.
He was born March 16, 1965, during a snowstorm in Milwaukee to Ruth and William McAnany. Around 1978, he moved to rural Warrens, and then later to Sparta, where he met his wife. He raised his family in Norwalk.
Brian was a great father, husband and grandfather. He spent endless hours playing with the grandchildren, taking Kaydyn, the oldest, on camping trips and patiently letting little Brian follow him around in the garage. Brian’s project was rebuilding a 1950 Chevrolet truck, and a few videos are uploaded to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-0A2CDDScFta_Izby_dQ7A.
Brian completed two technical degrees at Western Technical College for auto technician and fabrication welding. Over the years, he worked in the automotive field, and the two places he enjoyed working at the most were American Scrap Iron & Auto Recyclers and Jackson Chevrolet.
Brian is survived by his wife, Sandra McAnany of Coon Rapids; his sons, Benjamin McAnany (Haley Dougherty), Wayne McAnany (Ashley Vian), Jacob McAnany (Crystal Cervantes), Matthew McAnany and William D. McAnany; his beloved grandchildren, Kaydyn, Ashton, Tiegan, Brian, Brody, Grayson, Preston, Deja and Lucy; his mother, Ruth McAnany; his mothers-in-law and father-in-law, Barb Schedler and Dewitt and Patti Schedler; his brother, Mark McAnany (Sandy); his sister, Chris Schaefer (Ken); his brothers-in-law, Mike and Tom Schedler; many nieces and nephews, including Heidi, Heather, Shaun, Aja, Sky and Forest; his dog, Boone; and individuals who may not be related but who will always be family, including Vanesha, Ania, Maya, Yamileth, Jack, Ruffi and Fred.
He was preceded in death by his father, William A. McAnany; his brother, William E. McAnany; his sister, Brida Bair; and his brothers-in-law, Dan Bair and Paul Schedler.
His family expresses deep gratitude to the doctors and nursing staff at Mercy Hospital, and the paramedics, police and fire department members who tried so hard to get his heart working again.
A celebration of life and service will be from 4–7 p.m. Friday, May 20, on top of Granddad’s Bluff in La Crosse, the same place he was married so many years ago. The Rev. Kathleen Charles will officiate.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. (Anon)
