Dennis Oscar Brandner
Dennis Oscar Brandner, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on Sept. 9, 1942, in Medford, Dennis was the son of Oscar and Florence Brandner. He proudly served in the Army from Sept. 11, 1959, until his discharge in 1965, achieving the rank of Specialist 4. In 1964, Dennis married the love of his life, Joanne Fiebke. Together, they built a beautiful family, raising three wonderful daughters, Barbara Lamb, Amy Ryan, and Julie Zuelsdorff. Dennis was a dedicated family man, and his love for his wife and children was evident in everything he did. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill.
In 1966, Dennis co-founded B&D Motors, where he would go on to earn his Master Mechanic Certification. He was joined in 1968 by his brother-in-law, Jerry Fiebke, and together, they ran the company until March 2026. A familiar face in Lincoln County, he became the go-to person for chainsaws and small engine repairs, even sharing his knowledge by teaching at North Central Technical College. If it had an engine, Dennis could repair it.
Dennis served on the advisory board for River Valley Bank (now Incredible Bank), was the treasurer for the North Woods Chapter of White Tails Unlimited and was active with the Lincoln County Sports Club banquets for many years. He also enjoyed being part of the Eagles Club in Merrill, where his charm and sense of
1942-2026
humor made him the life of the party.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Joanne; along with his children, Barbara (Jeff) Lamb, Amy (Rick) Ryan, and Julie (Andrew) Zuelsdorff. He was a proud grandfather to Nicole (Ryan) Jenson, Adam Lamb, Taylor Zuelsdorff, Mitchell Lamb, Eve Campbell, and Hannah Campbell. He is also survived by his siblings Patricia Bernitt, Richard (Lynn) Brandner, and Kathleen (Alfred) Lemke; his brother-in-law, Gerald Fiebke; sister-in-law, Shirley Brandner; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; inlaws; and siblings, Diane (Joe) Mann and James Brandner.
If you knew Dennis, you knew he didn’t like fanfare, there will be no formal services, per his request.
A celebration of his life will be held on Aug. 15, 2026, at the Eagles Club in Merrill from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friends and family are invited to come have a drink on Denny and share stories.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Pastor Neely Owen, Pine River Emergency Responders, the Merrill Fire Department, the EMS Team, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department, and the dedicated doctors and nurses at Aspirus Merrill and Wausau Hospitals.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dennis’s name to St. John Church in Merrill.
“Behave yourself, and if you can’t, don’t get caught. And if you do get caught, don’t call me.”
Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.
Paid Obituary 184086
