Robert “Bob” Brand
Robert “Bob” Louis Brand was born May 29, 1941, in Harvey, IL, to the late William and Nellie Brand. He was their second son.
Bob passed away at home on October 22, 2026, while holding his wife Donna’s hand.
Bob and Donna were married February 4, 1959. They were only married for 67 years. To be together for 67 years, there must have been some wild Angels looking over those two.
They went on to have two daughters Cindy (Late husband Lonnie Shockley/Late husband Stephen Commers) Commers and Sherry (Todd) Bierman.
Robert was predeceased by an infant son, William Curtis; and his cherished parents; in-laws; and one brother.
He is further survived by his five grandchildren, Becky (Matt) Shockley, Timothy (Jennifer) Rick, Robert (Kayla) Rick, Jason (Courtney) Shockley and Brady (McKenzie) Bierman; and seven great-grandchildren.
Bob was able to say goodbye to his brothers, Ron and Jerry the day before he passed. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces, but he only had one favorite niece; we will let them figure out which one it is.
In 1972, Bob saw an ad in the Dolton Shopper; “land for sale in Phelps, Wisconsin”. He and Donna purchased that property and made it their permanent home in 1975. Fortunately, the locals were able to overlook his Illinois roots and he quickly went on to make lifelong friendships. He was a machinist by trade and after moving North he began working in the carpentry business.
During retirement he enjoyed visiting his Tennessee family. There may have been a distance between them, however they were always in his heart.
Three of his Grandsons grew up in Phelps. It gave Dad many years in the Phelps gymnasium and soccer fields, along with a few shenanigans with each of them.
Bob and Donna have had countless travels throughout their 67 years. The most memorable would have been pulling their camper to Alaska and touring that beautiful state for four months.
Bob enjoyed the camaraderie of numerous hunting/fishing trips in the “grey bus”; where else can you form lifelong friendships then being jammed into a repurposed school bus. And of course, enjoying the card games and “a few” adult beverages.
Bob drew strength from his Grandchildren and Great children. His Faith in the Lord carried him through many health issues over the years; while he tried to deviate from the Lord’s path, (only the Good Lord knows what a struggle that was) in his heart he truly believed God chose his paths.
Knowing our Dad, who never took the straight road home, we are sure he asked our Good Lord to take the winding path to Heaven.
The family would like to thank the entire Compassus Hospice team that supported him and also thank the Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home for their kindness and understanding during this difficult time.
Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com
