Andrew Brothanek
September 30, 1921 ~ October 28, 2013
Andrew
Brothanek, 92, of Miller, passed away peacefully in his sleep Monday, October
28, 2013 at his son’s home in St. Paul, MN.
Funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 1, 2013 at the First Presbyterian Church, Miller with Pastor Brian Jones officiating. Burial followed at GAR Cemetery, Miller. Visitation was held one prior to the service at the church.
Andy was born September 30, 1921 to Frank Joseph and Henrietta (Kruse) Brothanek. He graduated from Gann Valley High School. He married the love of his life, Jane Olson on January 20, 1945 they were married until Jane’s passing May 22, 1965. To this union one son, Dale and one daughter, Sue, were born. Five years later Andy and Earline Hurlbut took a second shot at marriage and were together until Earline’s passing in 2000. Andy then honored both his wives by spending nights out dancing and entertaining all the other ladies in town but decided a third wife wasn’t going to be part of his plans.
Andy loved his Rancho store and ran it from 1957 to its closing in 1990. He relished in all the boots and western wear and was always proud of his western store.
Andy enjoyed dancing, coin collecting, fishing, golf, cards, pool and playing quarters to see who paid for coffee every morning and afternoon with friends (we don’t think he paid for coffee very often).
Grandpa Andy “Dandy” is survived by his son, Dale (Linda) Brothanek; step-children: Bob (Ardella) Hurlbut and Vicki Faehnrich; granddaughters: Tami Sue Ulmen, Lindy (Mark) Stankey, Lisa (Adam) Holzemer and Lori (Greg) Hopper; great grandsons: Walter (Lindy), Beck (Lisa) and Mason (Lori); his beautiful sister, Eleanor Viereck; nieces: Linda Ness, Nancy (Gary) Behrends, Joanne Grohs, Pat (Gayle) Krog; nephews: Larry (Paulette) Olson, Rick (Lisa) Olson; and first cousin, Stuart (Marianne) Irwin.
The people welcoming him home include: Andy’s first wife Jane (1965); daughter, Sue (1997); second wife, Earline (2000); his father, Frank; mother, Henrietta; and two step-daughters: Mary Jo Stavick and Barbara Crossman.
Andy spent his last days a bit far from Miller but was surrounded by family and friends. He will be greatly missed and always remembered. He was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grand father, brother and uncle and will be missed by many dancing partners and fisherman.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Andrew’s arrangements.
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Dale & Linda & family,
Just heard of Andy’s passing– am sorry he is no longer with you all but am sure he was very happy and knew he was loved, especially these past few months living with you all. Sending our prayers and thought for you all at this time of sadness.
Our love,
David & Dee Sivertsen
So sorry to hear of Andys passing, he was a friend of my dads and I still remember when he had that western shop. My sincere sympathy to you all
Dale, I was so sorry to hear about your dad.
I so enjoyed all of the conversations that we have had when I have seen him over the years. I didn’t realize that he knew about all of the parties that Susan and I use to have at your home above the store.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family in this most difficult time.
Dale, I saw your Dad’s listing in the Miller Press. For several summers I would see your dad twice a day when the Rancho was open. He would come to Namanny’s Cafe about 10am and 2pm for a cup of coffee. He always sat at the front end of the counter so he could see the Rancho front door. If a customer went in he was back at the store in less than two seconds. I remember that coffee was 5 cents and about once a week he would leave me a 10 cent tip. I had a great deal of respect for your Dad.
My sympathy,
Deb Coss-Fricke