Lorne J. Brandl, "Gramps and Papa" 95, of Eau Claire, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2015, at Dove Healthcare West in Eau Claire. Born July 6, 1919, in Washburn, WI, Lorne was the fifth child of Frank and Amelia (Blair) Brandl. His family moved to Eau Claire, WI when he was eight years old. Lorne attended St. Patrick's Grade and High School graduating in the class of 1937. Upon graduation, Lorne attended the Eau Claire Teachers College for two years. In 1940 he enlisted in the Flying Cadets. Lorne received his Primary Flight Training at Sikeston, Missouri. In San Antonio, Texas he received both his Basic Flight Training and his Advanced Flight Training at Kelly Air Field. Lorne married Bonnie M. Myers on June 16, 1945 at St. Mary's Assumption Catholic Church in Durand, WI. Together with his wife, Bonnie, they built their home in Eau Claire and raised three children. Lorne was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Parish and served as an officer for the Immaculate Conception Holy Name Society. Lorne was also a member of the American Legion Post 53 for 73 years making him one of the founding members, as well as Eau Claire Elks Lodge #402, Toast Masters, and Holy Name Society. Lorne worked at Uniroyal Tire Company for 40 years, retiring in 1978. Upon retirement Lorne continued to enjoy hunting, fishing, cooking, camping and traveling. His love of travel took him throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand and the Far East to include the Philippines and Okinawa, Japan. Lorne often spent weeks at a time in these various locations enjoying the local culture, cuisine and customs. He also enjoyed meeting people and finding out as much as he could about them. Lorne is survived by his wife, Bonnie, 29 days shy of their 70th wedding anniversary; three children, John (Susan) Brandl of Eau Claire, Mary Jo (Edward) Bennis of Sequim, WA, and Lynne Brandl (Michael Barrett) of England, U.K.; two grandchildren, Traci (Matthew) Guzzo and Kati (Peter) Jacobson; three great-grandchildren, Hudson, Graysen and Vivian Guzzo; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Lorne was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Marjorie, Cecilia and Marie; one brother, Francis; and his step-mother, Louise Brandl. Lorne was always quick with a song, a smile and a kind word. Lorne once received this message in a fortune cookie, "Your sparkle will never fade." It was the perfect fortune for him. Lorne's sparkle will continue to endure in the hearts of his family and friends who were lucky enough to have known him. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2015, 1712 Highland Ave. in Eau Claire, with Father Donald Meuret Officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to Mass on Friday at the church. Military honors will be conducted by the Eau Claire American Legion Post 53. Interment will be held at a later date in Calvary Cemetery in Eau Claire. The family would like to thank Dr. Saleh Obaid and the staff at Dover Healthcare West, for all their care given to Lorne. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the St. Francis Food Pantry, 1221 Truax Blvd, Eau Claire, WI 54703; Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1712 Highland Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54703, or to a charity of your choice.

Service Information

Cemetery

Calvary Cemetery 4100 S Hastings Way Eau Claire WI 54701

Visitation

Friday, May 22 2015 10:00 AM

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 1712 Highland Ave. Eau Claire WI 54701

Mass of Christian Burial

Friday, May 22 2015 11:00 AM

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 1712 Highland Ave. Eau Claire WI 54701