Brian A. Schleicher

Brian A. Schleicher, age 69, of Beaver Dam, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at his home.

There will be a private graveside service for the family.

Brian Alan was born on June 16, 1954 in Columbus, Wisconsin to Clarence and Victoria (Rake) Schleicher. He grew up working alongside his family on their farm and took great pride in his roots.  After graduating high school, Brian went to work for Rochester Silo Company. He thoroughly enjoyed building silos from the ground up and for many years after, he would point out silos he had built on drives through the country.

On February 14, 1981, Brian was united in marriage with Debra Hays at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Beaver Dam. By that time, his hard work at the silo company led to a promotion to foreman; however, building silos was hard on his body and required a lot of travel, so after the birth of his daughter, he made a career change and went to work for the Dodge County Highway Department. Brian spent over twenty years keeping the roads of Dodge County safe by clearing them of snow at all hours of the day and night during the winter and repairing them in the warmer months. He retired from the Highway Department in the early 2000’s. After retirement, Brian decided to further his education, and attended Moraine Park Technical College. He had a knack for numbers, which served him well in his return to school, and he received two associates degrees; one in tech support and one in computer networking. Brian joked that he was competing to achieve a higher grade point average than his daughter, who was attending law school at the same time.

Brian played softball and volleyball in his younger years and loved watching any sport on TV. He was a loyal Packer fan and enjoyed time with his brother, Norbert, attending a Badger game every year. Brian had a passion for classic cars and cherished his Pontiac Firebird, which he owned for decades. He also had a great appreciation for a wide variety of music, but Neil Diamond was a particular favorite throughout his life. Brian was a regular attendee at music festivals, including Country USA, Rock USA, Summerfest, and even Nashville’s Fanfare. He was beyond thrilled to meet Martina McBride on at least three occasions.

Brian was a very proud father and grandfather. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to family, friends, and neighbors alike. Brian had an infectious laugh and a huge heart, which he often wore on his sleeve. His heart was stolen several years ago by a pug he adopted and named Barney.  Brian was broken-hearted in 2022 when Barney had to be put to sleep, but by then, he had a new Puggle who helped him through the loss of Barney.

Brian is survived by his daughter, Kirsten (fiancé, James Vander Galien) Navarrette; grandchildren, Daetyn and Jabari; former son-in-law, James Navarrette; siblings, Gloria (Tom) Gregor, Ione (Phil) Hausler, Phil (Steve) Schleicher, and Janis (Brian) Neevel; former wife, Debra (Tom) Csiacsek; sisters-in-law, Vickie Schleicher and Karen Schleicher; nieces and nephews; his loyal canine companion, Trouble; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Kurt; brothers, Norbert and Russell; nephew, Benjamin Neevel; and fur babies, Barney, Marty, and Bud.

The family would like to thank Bristol Hospice for the exceptional care and companionship they provided for Brian.

Memorials may be made in Brian Schleicher’s name to Coulee Region Humane Society, which is kindly assisting in finding Trouble a new home.