Frederick R. “Fred” Brechler of Fennimore, WI on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away after fighting with congestive heart failure at Grant Regional Health Center at age 73.
On January 26, 1948, Fred was born at the family home outside of Fennimore, WI, to Joseph and Velma (Pollman) Brechler. He graduated from Fennimore High School in 1966. He then went to MATC and graduated from the barber program. Following a short time working at barber shops in Platteville and Montfort, he bought a barber shop in Fennimore where he worked for 40 years. On June 17, 1972, he married the love of his life Jill (Blakeley) Brechler. Together they raised their beloved daughter, Lucy. Randy Edge joined the family in 1978 and has been an important member ever since.
Among the many community activities in which Fred was involved were the Fennimore German Band where he played the tuba, Fennimore Jaycees, and Chamber of Commerce. As a member of Bethany Alliance Church, he served as head usher and governing board trustee. Fred was a founding member of Grant County Crime Stoppers and thoroughly enjoyed representing them at the Grant County Fair. As a founding member of the Fennimore Railroad Historical Museum, Fred immersed himself in acquiring railroad items, relating the history of the railroad, and serving on the board of directors. Through his dedication to the museum, he created Heritage Days, which has been held in late September for nearly 30 years.
Fred was very outgoing; he loved talking to others, telling stories of the past and discussing tractors, old cars, or anything with an engine. He especially enjoyed going to car shows, swap meets, and thresherees and tinkering with small engines.
Fred is survived by his wife Jill of Fennimore, daughter Lucy (Jake) Vondra of Verona, granddaughter Talia Vondra of Verona, special family member Randy Edge of Fennimore, sister-in-law Gloria Brechler of Arizona, and many nieces and nephews.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters: Ima (Ralph) Levrud, Barbara (Lennie) Busher, Janet (Don) Hertrampf; two brothers: Delbert Brechler and DuWayne (Rose) Brechler; father- and mother-in-law Ogden and Hedda Blakeley; sister-in-law Allison (Owen) Lunde; and special great-niece Allison Robin Lunde.
A special thank you to Grant Regional Health Center staff, including Doctors Kim Perttu, Darren Perttu, and Clark Williams; PA Kelly Muench; and the caring, compassionate staff. Fred was very appreciative of being able to stay at home with the help of the Grant County Health Department; special thanks to Michelle.
A “Celebration of Life” service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday January 29, 2022, at the Fennimore United Methodist Church in Fennimore with burial of cremated remains to follow in the Prairie Cemetery in Fennimore. Food and time of fellowship will immediately follow the committal service in the church hall. Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Saturday morning. The Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore is assisting the family.