Orville L. Brothers (1948-2022)

BROTHERS, JOHLL, HARMAN, STIETZ

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 9/5/2022 at 12:12:59

Orville “Orv” L. Brothers, 74, of Kieler, WI, completed his earthly journey on Sept. 1, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Orv’s life, a visitation will be held from 3:00-8:00 p.m., on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center, 3685 County HHH in Kieler, WI, including a prayer service officiated by Rev. Bart Timmerman at 7:30 p.m. Orv’s burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, at the Immaculate Conception Church Cemetery with Rev. Bernie Rott officiating, followed by full military honors being accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. The Jamestown Fire Department will also honor his 38 years of service. Following the ceremony, family and friends are invited to join us for lunch and “Orv*isms” at the Jamestown Park in Kieler.

Orville was born on August 13, 1948, in Dubuque, IA, to Freeman “Red” and Dorothy (Johll) Brothers. He was raised by his grandmother, Nettie Brothers. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy to honorably serve his country. He was a Vietnam veteran. Upon returning home, he worked at the Dubuque Packing Company for many years. On July 10, 1971, he married his devoted wife, Jody (Burlage). As a couple, they enjoyed traveling, cooking, gardening, and playing the occasional game of euchre, along with many community service projects. The most notable community event they initiated was the Jamestown Park Fish Fry with help from the fire department and many community members. Throughout the years, over $70,000 was raised to benefit park improvements which included two pavilions and playground equipment for two areas. Together, they had three daughters, Trish, Tara, and Tiffany, who were “Orv’s Terrific Trio.”

His working years were primarily spent in sales for Bankers Advertising Company, and also selling everything from jewelry, air purifiers, credit card machines, and even “flipped” cars. He was the epitome of the man who could sell ice to an Eskimo. His sense of humor and endless amount of charisma were an unstoppable combination. Orv always knew that there was more to life than work. Orv treasured time in the kitchen, making meals, baking homemade bread, and cooking on the grill. Leftovers were always shared and enjoyed by lucky recipients. He enjoyed tinkering around the house with his faithful canine companions, first Bitsy and then Max, along with visiting his buddy, Don, at the garage. Orv was not one to sit still for long and continually found ways to share his humor, gift of gab, and ingenuity with everyone whose path he crossed. Orv loved to laugh, almost as much as making others laugh.

Orv’s grandkids were the “Magnificent 7,” and his pride and joy. Together, they enjoyed ice cream sundaes, campfires, popcorn, and golf cart rides. His family often gathered where jokes were exchanged, games played, and many meals shared—including hosting an annual Thanksgiving meal for over 100 relatives.

He will be dearly missed, but will always be remembered for the indelible impression he left in our hearts. Thank you, Orv, for reminding us not to take life too seriously, and may you find peace from your earthly battles now as we await to hear your infamous chuckle and hugs when we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Orville include,

his loving wife,
Jody Brothers, Peosta, IA;

his three adored daughters,
Trish (Mike) Harman, West Salem, WI,
Tara Brothers, Dubuque, IA,
and Tiffany (Greg) Stietz, Epworth, IA;

his seven grandchildren,
Allison, Emma and, Mason Harman; Caleb and Caden Brothers; Elijah and Molly Stietz;

his brothers,
Bill Johll, Peosta, IA,
and Ron (Cindy) Armstrong, Crystal Lake, IL;

his brothers and sisters-in-law,
Jim (Joan) Burlage, Kieler, WI,
Harry (Kim) Burlage, Kieler, WI,
Mary Jo Burlage, Kieler, WI,
and Rita Brothers, Dubuque, IA;

Orville was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Charlie (Shirley) Brothers, Glenna (Bus) Boullear, Florence (Van) VanBlarcum, David (Shirley) Johll, Delbert Brothers, Sandy Johll, and Eleanor Jeans-Peasel;, and his in-laws, Bud (Arlene) Burlage, Jack Burlage, Tom Burlage, Jan (John) Smith, Jeanie (Ed) Hendricks, Dick (Ruth) Burlage, and Linda Johll.

Orv’s family would like to thank the staff at ProMedica and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their compassionate care and support. Your generous love and kindness brought peace and empathy to his short, but hard-fought battle with cancer. A special thank you to members of the Dubuque Fellowship Club who offered guidance and strength. We also thank Tri-State Cremation Center for helping our family through this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, an Orville L. Brothers memorial fund has been established which will be distributed among his favorite charities.

Online condolences may be shared with Orville’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com