William Joseph Brand, 89, of Huntley, IL died peacefully at home in Huntley, IL April 12, 2023.
Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Johna Lou (nee Dannenberg) Brand, his daughter, Victoria Louise (Jerry) Kurr of Wheaton, IL, his 3 grandchildren, Emily Roller of Huntley, William Roller of Gilberts, IL, and Torie (Kurr) McChesney of Hawthorn Woods. IL, his nephew Christopher (Dawn) Brand of Calder Creek, OR, his niece Bethany (nee McNary) Brand of Baltimore, MD, and his three grandnephews and one grandniece.
Bill was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Ann Roller, his parents Victor and Frances Sophia (nee Kaiser) Brand, his brother Robert Bernard (Billie McCormick) Brand, his grandparents, Joe and Wilhelmina (nee Himmelberg) Brand and Nicholas and Eleanor (nee Kaiser) Brand.
Bill was born at home on Prospect Avenue in Kansas City, MO on Nov 1, 1933, to parents Victor Bernard and Frances Sophia (nee Kaiser) Brand.
He was blessed to grow up surrounded by a large family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Stockman's, Kaisers, Guethles and Stephens and best of all, his younger brother, Robert Brand.
Bill came from a family of modest means, then losing his father at age 16. His first job was working for a corner grocer at age 12. He bought his first car at 16 after his father’s death and THEN learned to drive in the alley behind the A&P. He met Johna Lou Dannenberg at the roller rink when Johna was 16. Johna liked to say she was a pickup at the Roller Rink. They were married on June 2, 1962.
He went on to graduate from St Mary parochial school. Independence, Mo, was drafted into the army. He always said it was the best thing to ever happen to a” green kid". He put himself through night school, while working at the A&P. He then entered food sales and marketing working his way "up”. His career took him from Kansas City, Mo, to Independence, Mo to Buffalo Grove, IL, to Wichita Kansas to Streamwood IL to Schaumburg IL and saving the best for last, Sun City, Huntley IL Where he enjoyed the Bocce Ball Club, Block parties, Coffee at McDonald’s as part of the ROMEO club (Retired Old Men Eating Out) and the many neighbors he and Johna came to know at the McDonald’s. (Large sodas were a dollar then) and many St. Mary Parish Activities. Bill never knew a stranger; he was interested in everyone he met and came to know. It always seemed that he would know someone no matter where he went.
He enjoyed travel to Spain, Italy, Kansas City and Branson. MO.
He was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus Council in Streamwood at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and then became an active member of the K of C council at St. Mary, Huntley.
Visitation will be Monday, April 17, 2023, from 4 p.m. to time of prayers 6:30 p.m. all at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
Mass will be Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 10 a.m. with a visitation the hour prior, all at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bill's name can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/
For further information, please contact the DeFiore Funeral Home 847-515-8772.
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Our deepest sympathy goes out to Aunt Johna and family. Uncle Bill always had good conversation to share. I loved listening to his stories of when he was growing up. Always enjoyed watching football with him. We will miss you. God Bless everyone. Love, Kathy and family
So sorry to learn of Bill's death. It was Bill and Johna who introduced my husband, Milt Beamer to me. We were together almost 60 years before his death last year! We spent time together in Branson, Mo and visited them in their home in Buffalo Grove all the way from Texas. Prayers for Johna, Vickie and the rest of the family.
Dear Johna and family, Please accept our deepest sympathy on Bill’s passing. We will keep him in our prayers. May God grant you His peace, love and comfort during these difficult days ahead. May God bless you. Jim and Patty Archibald
My deepest sympathies to Aunt Johna and the family during this difficult time. Bill was always a positive, encouraging role model to me growing up and beyond. He certainly emulated scripture, “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up…” 1 Thessalonians 5:11. His bright eyes, broad smile, and contagious laugh will be greatly missed! Love you!
So sorry to see Bill's obituary in th Star this morning. I very much enjoyed working with Bill for many years. He was one of the good guys in the food industry!
My deepest sympathies to Aunt Johna and the family during this difficult time. Bill was always a positive, encouraging role model to me growing up and beyond. He certainly emulated scripture, “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up…” 1 Thessalonians 5:11. His bright eyes, broad smile, and contagious laugh will be greatly missed! Love you!
My deepest sympathies to Aunt Johna and the family during this difficult time. Bill was always a positive, encouraging role model to me growing up and beyond. He certainly emulated scripture, “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up…” 1 Thessalonians 5:11. His bright eyes, broad smile, and contagious laugh will be greatly missed! Love you!
I really liked Bill. Nice man, and always had a gleam in his eye! Condolences to the family, he will be missed.
Dear Johna and family, We just heard about Bill and we wish you the peace that comes from knowing memories and love are forever. May God comfort you and may you feel His arms wrapped around you. Love, Lou & Karen