John Robert Brandley

John Robert Brandley, 77, of Lake Geneva, died of complications from diabetes on October 7, 2019, at the Milwaukee Veterans Affairs Medical Center.  He was born June 11, 1942, in Beaver Dam, WI, to John and Helen Brandley, and moved with his family to Lake Geneva when he was a young child.  John, Sr., managed the Schultz Bros. “Five and Dime” on Main Street in Lake Geneva, and the family lived in the spacious apartment above the store.

John attended St. Francis de Sales Catholic School, and graduated from Lake Geneva High School (now Badger High School) in 1960.  He played on the high school golf team and served as “caddy master” at the Lake Geneva Country Club.  He obtained a bachelor’s degree in economics from Villanova University in 1964.  

After college, during the Vietnam War, John served in the U.S. Army in the Korean Demilitarized Zone until 1968.  Upon his honorable discharge from active duty until 1972, John served in the U.S. Army Reserve.

John enjoyed a successful marketing career, including managerial positions at AC Nielsen in Atlanta, and West Bend Electrics and Amity Leather, both in West Bend.  He eventually returned to Lake Geneva to spend his later years in the hometown he loved. 

He is survived by his long-time companion, Judith Howe of Williams Bay, sister, Judith Moore of St. Louis Park, MN, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles, and sisters Jane Brandley and Jacqueline Valinoti.

John will be remembered fondly for his intellect, quick wit, rollicking chortle, love of sweet treats, and zest for life as evidenced by his many interests, including cars, motorcycles, golf, movies, and trivia.

In deference to John’s desire for a private and simple send-off, there will be no public memorial service or funeral.  Family will honor his requests to be cremated and have his ashes scattered.  Those who wish to make a donation in John’s memory may give to the American Diabetes Association or a charity of their choice.

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