Francis J. Brich (1943-2009)

BRICH

Posted By: Padriag
Date: 5/3/2009 at 15:19:33

Francis J. "Butch" Brich, age 65, of Neola, Iowa, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2009 at his home, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Butch was born August 13, 1943 in Neola, Iowa to the late Edward and Gladys (Smith) Brich.

He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1961. Butch married Marlene E. Bruck on November 22, 1969 in Earling, Iowa. They were blessed with seven children, Kristine, Chad, Linda, Curt, Janet, Craig and Amy. Butch was the co-owner of Brich Plumbing for 32 years retiring in 2008. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Neola; Neola American Legion Post #330 and served in the National Guard. Butch was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved camping, spending time with family and friends, and attending all of his grandchildren's sports and activities.

Butch was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Emily Miller; sister, Joanne Jansen.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Marlene Brich, Neola; daughters, Kristine (Scott) Miller, Avoca, Iowa, Linda (Andy) Gunderson, Minden, Iowa, Janet (Brett) Petersen, Brookfield, Ill., Amy (Brian) Skow, Minden, Iowa; sons, Chad (Renee) Brich, Minden, Iowa, Curt (Kristie) Brich, Honey Creek, Iowa, Craig (Kristine) Brich, Persia, Iowa; 22 grandchildren; sisters, Marian (Dutch) Madden, Charlotte Stephens, all Council Bluffs, Margaret (Paul) Vorthmann, Missouri Valley, Iowa, Theresa (Bill) Berriman, Mingo, Iowa, Virginia (Jim) Kilts, Johnstown, Colo.; brothers, Robert (Dee) Brich, Sacramento, Calif., Thomas (Katie) Brich, Manhattan, Kan., Stephen (Roberta) Brich, Charlotte, N.C.; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation with the family, Monday, 5-8 p.m. with a Wake service at 7 p.m. in St. Patrick's Church, Neola.

Funeral mass, Tuesday, 11 a.m. St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Neola.

Interment St. Patrick's Cemetery with military rites tendered by the Neola American Legion Post #330.

A lunch will immediately follow in St. Patrick's Hall.

The family will direct memorials.