Leon A. Brandner 1936-2026
Leon A. Brandner, 89, of Medford, town of Browning, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 at his home with his family by his side and while under the care of Hope Hospice.
Leon was born May 5, 1936 in Medford to Ferd Jr. and Frances (Riegert) Brandner. He attended Holy Rosary Catholic Grade School, Pontifical College Josephinum for two years, and graduated from Medford High School.
Leon served in the U.S. Army National Guard, a member of Company E 32D Infantry Division and was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis, where he was stationed at Fort Lewis in Yakima, Washington. He was honorably discharged in 1962 with the rank of sergeant.
He worked at West Side Grocery, then Newburg’s Men’s Clothing Store, then McCain’s, and finally over 30 years at Schmidt The Clothes Man until his retirement.
On Oct. 18, 1980, he married Lucille (nee Liberty) Janko. They resided in the town of Browning where he enjoyed helping in the garden, mowing the large lawn, and cutting trees for firewood. He was a member of Holy Rosary Parish and served as usher for over 40 years and was secretary of the Building & Grounds Committee; and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He bowled in Dorchester Tuesday Bowling League also serving as their secretary/treasurer for many years.
Over the years, he and Lucille traveled to 38 National Parks, took many trips to California, and visited Canada, Mexico, Vietnam and Kaula Lumpur. They also took many cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico and Alaska.
He is survived by his wife, Lucille, of Medford; children, David (Kim) Janko, of California, Deb (Ron) Ward, of Merrill, Donna (Brian) Zygarlicke, of Marshfield; grandchildren, Shandi, Travis, David II, KimMai Le Janko (Clinton) Motley, Brionna Zygarlicke (Erik) Tollefson, and Theresa (Josh) Haebig; great-grandchildren, Damien and Dylon Woodard, Theodore Tollefson, Wilder Motley, Jordan, Abagale and Joselyn Haebig; siblings, Darrell (Nancy) Brandner, Mary Schumacher, Monica (Tom) Danen; sisters-in-law, Joanne Emmerich and MaryLou Brandner; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Melvin, Norbert and Bernard Brandner; brothers-inlaw, Norbert Schumacher and Earl Emmerich; and a sister-in-law, Beulah Brandner.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford with Fr. Patrick McConnell officiating. Military honors provided by the Medford Area Military Honors Team will immediately follow the service at church.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., Saturday at the church.
Interment will be at a later date at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials are appreciated and may go to the Holy Rosary Endowment Fund.
Leon’s family would like to thank Hope Hospice for the special loving care they gave Leon and the family during their journey with them, and to Fr. Patrick and Fr. Julian for the prayers and time they spent with them. Thank you also to the two special young ladies who provided home health care so Leon could be comfortable at home with his family.
Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.
Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.
