"I am so sorry that your family has to endure such a terrible loss. To lose two family members at once is almost unbearable. May you find comfort in your cherished memories. Many have found comfort in the words recorded at Rev. 21:3 &4. It says, "With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: 'Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.' " "
In loving memory of
Larry and Vicki Brandt
Middleton - Larry Brandt, age 78, and Antoinette "Vicki" Brandt, age 76, died together in a car accident on April 11, 2018.
Larry was born on Oct. 5, 1939 in Lincoln, Nebraska, son of Wilburn and Hazel (Webster) Brandt. Vicki was born on Dec. 15, 1941 in Madison, Wisconsin, daughter of Kenneth and Agnes (Ulvestad) Stevenson.
Larry graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1957 and from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 1964. Vicki graduated from Lodi High School in 1959 and attended Platteville for one year, where she met Larry. They were married on Jan. 25, 1964 in Lodi, Wisconsin, and they raised two daughters together.
Taking advantage of his friendly personality and people skills, Larry had a successful career in sales. After college, he worked for Stanley Home Products; Braeger Chevrolet in Milwaukee, and Zimbrick, Inc. in Madison and did auto sales training and consulting before retiring in 1992. Vicki worked at Cuna Credit Union after college before settling into her favorite roles as mother, homemaker and, later, grandmother.
Larry was a loving and loyal husband, father and grandfather. He was outgoing and fun but also deep and sentimental - often reminiscing about cherished moments from earlier in his life. He was fiercely protective and proud of his family, and his idea of a perfect afternoon was sitting on the porch with his loved ones with a cold drink in his hand and a favorite song on the radio. He loved playing a good game of euchre, taking care of his perfectly manicured lawn, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, playing with his "granddogs" Coco and Bruno, and - above all else - spending time with Vicki.
Vicki was known for her quiet strength and eternal optimism, always looking on the bright side of things and often reminding her daughters to "keep their chin up" during rough times. She was caring and compassionate, always on hand to listen to a problem and going out of her way to help loved ones in need. She was an utterly devoted wife and the quintessential homemaker whose skills as a hostess were unparalleled and whose chocolate cake - Larry's favorite - was unrivaled. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, drawing and Skyping or playing with her granddaughters. She was amazingly patient and giving with her grandchildren, and she'll forever be known as "Pajama Grandma."
Above all else, Larry and Vicki had a deep love for their family and for one another. Soulmates who were married for 54 years, they were rarely apart and referred to one another as their "rock." While their family is heartbroken over the accident and this great loss, they're grateful that Larry and Vicki will always be together. "God has truly blessed us," Vicki said on more than one occasion.
They are survived by their children, Sandra Brandt of Middleton and Michelle (Jonathan) Brandt Browdy of San Francisco and two grandchildren, Zoe and Avery Browdy of San Francisco. Larry is also survived by his sisters, Cheryl (Charles) Yonts and Carole Brandt; Vicki is survived by her brother, John Stevenson; and sisters, Roselyn (John) Skopek and Joanne Sprecher.
Together they were preceded in death by their parents. Larry was also preceded in death by his brother, Ron Brandt, and his beloved uncle and aunt Joe and Norma Kratchovill; Vicki was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Dorothy Stevenson; and a brother-in-law, Al Sprecher.
Visitation will be held from 10 AM to 11 AM on Wednesday April 18, 2018 at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 7337 Hubbard Ave., Middleton. A joint memorial service will follow at 11 AM with Pastor Heather Hayward presiding. They will be laid to rest at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Lodi.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Scleroderma Foundation (www.scleroderma.org) or St. Luke's Lutheran Church.
Tributes
"While visiting Florida, we were so saddened to learn of Larry and Vicki?s death. They were such an anchor in our neighborhood network, that it is hard to imagine the future without their friends and happy greetings, and their obvious joy in each other. They were always interested in our family - - and formed such great relationships with Carlos and Blanca too. Blanca spoke frequently of her frequent contact with them at Copp?s groceries, and then more recently at Costco."
"Sandy and Michelle, So sorry to read of Larry and Vickie?s accident. Your next door neighbors on Montclair Lane Dennis & Barb Kalscheur"
"We were so sorry to hear of your parent's death. Larry and I(and Todd) have so many pleasant memories of time spent with them. May God's comfort and peace sustain you as you miss them. Sincerely, Larry, Joanie, and Todd Cesa"
"I am Vicki's cousin, we were the same age, and I'm sorry we lost contact with each other many years ago, but she was always so kind to me. My thoughts and prayers are with their children, grandchildren and especially her brother John and sisters Roselyn, & Joanne. God's Blessings to all of you! In Christian Love, Judy (Ulvestad) Meder"
"You are all in our thoughts and prayers! Our deepest Sympathy goes out to you in the loss of Larry and Vicki.
Joe and Terry Gulesserian"
"Although I never got to really get to know my cousin Vicki, I wish them Eternal peace,Love & Happiness in Heaven with their family & friends that went before them! May their families find comfort in the Love they showed them and happy memories that were made. With Sincere Sympathy, Wendy Dieckow & family "
"Larry and Vicki were such caring, friendly, people each with a sweet sense of humor. I will miss being their neighbor. Mother Nature was not kind of Larry this year as he never got a chance to get out his lawn mower and tend to his lawn. It will never be as well tended.
My sympathy goes out to their family as they gather to try to cope with their sudden, tragic, double loss. I know they will carry many fond memories with them as they move forward."