Earl E. Brassow

Earl Edwin Brassow, aged 89 years and 10 months, was called home to heaven to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 13, 2024, at his home in Kimberly, Wisconsin, with loved ones at his side. 

A Christian Funeral Service will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Harrison, Wisconsin, with Rev. Jesse Johnston officiating. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. at the church up to the time of the service. Family interment will be at St. John-St. James Lutheran Cemetery in Reedsville, Wisconsin.

Earl was born December 12, 1934, in Saline, Michigan, the youngest of four children of George and Minnie Brassow. He was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at Trinity Lutheran Church, Saline, Michigan. He graduated from Michigan Lutheran Seminary (high school), Saginaw, Michigan, in 1953, Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, Minnesota, in 1956, and he took classes for education certification at Doctor Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minnesota.

On June 20, 1965, Earl was united in Christian marriage to Karen Raaths at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Zachow, Wisconsin. They shared 59 years of marriage. This union was blessed with five children.

 Earl served as teacher and principal at Lutheran grade schools in Norseland, Minnesota, Lawler, Iowa, Reedsville, Wisconsin, and Wonewoc, Wisconsin. He was a member of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Harrison where he faithfully attended services until his health would not allow.

Earl is survived by his loving wife Karen; daughter and son-in-law Heidi and Steven Feest (Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin), daughter and son-in-law Colleen and Joseph Demler (Oneida, Wisconsin), daughter and son-in- law Jennifer and Lance Schwartz (Mankato, Minnesota), son and daughter-in-law Jonathan and Cyndi Brassow (Eagan, Minnesota), and son and daughter-in-law David and Michelle Brassow (Combined Locks, Wisconsin). Earl had eight grandchildren: Benjamin Schwartz, Sarah (Schwartz) Lindemann (Jonas), Marie Demler, Jacob Brassow, Anna Schwartz, Erik Demler, Caden Brassow, Ella Brassow, and one great-grandson Ezekiel Lindemann. Earl is also survived by sister-in-law Ruth Banaszynski and many nieces and nephews.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Harold, Roy, and George, and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Earl was a dedicated educator at Lutheran Schools for forty years, and he was a faithful supporter of Lutheran schools – especially his beloved alma mater Bethany Lutheran College. While teaching was his chosen vocation, his heart was always with the family farm where he was born and raised – so much so that he recreated a miniature scale replica of the property which he took pride in showing to visitors. He was his wife Karen’s faithful companion and supporter raising their family together, working on home projects, and spending countless hours in their beautiful gardens. He loved his children and grandchildren dearly, often attending athletic, arts, and school events they participated in. He enjoyed family gatherings, especially when everyone would join together around a piano and sing hymns. Most importantly, Earl was a faithful Christian who taught his children and grandchildren to know and love Jesus. His greatest desire was that they join him in heaven someday.

The family wishes to express grateful thanks to all who supported Earl in his final years: family, neighbors, friends, church friends, and caring Pastors Johnston and Schumann at Mount Calvary. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials to Bethany Lutheran College, Michigan Lutheran Seminary, and the Mount Calvary Sanctuary Fund.