Brandon Edward Siewert

Brandon Edward Siewert was born August 9, 1973 in Cudahy, WI to Wayne and Barbara Siewert. From the very beginning, Brandon had an eye for aiding and abetting the making of mischief. From pretending to board the bus in grade school in order to spend a few days in his fort, to lighting fire crackers in his bedroom, to trying to slip a very underage Playboy subscription through the mail, Brandon kept his parents on their toes as they tried to restrain their laughter. As a teen, he began to stand out as a dapper dresser well before the grunge movement of the 1990's reared its ugly head. In high school, his penchant for noting the ironies of life with a smile began to flourish. He devoured Kurt Vonnegut and other readings with voracity which sharpened his uncommon wit and strong sense humor, skills that that would carry him (and those he cared for) into his adulthood. He met Rosie Compton and they built a life in Chico, California, near Rosie's family who adopted Brandon as their own. He was especially close with Rosie's dad and step-dad, Randy Compton and Fred Hoffmann. They raised three amazing sons, Jackson, Ellis and Nolan. Brandon's kind heart shines brightly through each of the boys. Jackson (21) has the same entrepreneurial spirit that burned inside his father. They also share the lovely gift of communication that transcends age, background, or social status. To meet them is to instantly like them. Ellis (15) is an old soul with an incredibly deep and detailed intelligence, a love of music and wicked wit that rivals his dad. Nolan (13), tenacious in his beliefs since birth, has an ease and creativity in the kitchen that was inherited directly from his dad. They also bonded over their mutual passion for bicycling. Taking an interest in the food-service industry since he was a boy growing up in Grandma Krancus' catering business, Brandon and Rosie turned his dreams of owning a bakery into a reality by opening Tin Roof Bakery in 2002. Here he influenced many, sharing his enthusiasm for fine artisan breads and pastries. Everything was made meticulously from scratch using traditional methods with the finest ingredients; he would have it no other way. His bakery family loved him as much as he loved them and they remained (as did the bakery) in his heart, bringing the topic up just weeks before he passed. Brandon began his real estate career in 2012, building lifetime friendships with clients and colleagues alike. He was a "natural" with his open and honest demeanor and genuine interest in the needs of others. He flourished from the start. He became an expert in the commercial field and helped launch a commercial division at Century 21. Brandon was known for sharing and helping others with his expertise, both in business and on a personal level, with no expectation of return. "He helped me more than he could ever know," was a common comment heard from clients and fellow realtors. "The guy worked his butt off and built a great career," said his boss Doug Love. "He was brilliant. He devised his own unique computer programs for analyzing property values which he shared with anyone and everyone. He was respected by veterans and experts in the business. But above it all, was Brandon's smile, his open and honest face, his good humor, his generous, good-natured, and loving personality. He is also known in the office for his early door-knocking days, when with unprecedented regularity he was invited into people's homes…a stranger at their own front door. He loved people and he was loved in return, in a big way." Brandon loved engaging in long and serious, yet playful and earnest, conversations about life and love that led many to feel an "instant, deep, and meaningful bond" with him. Theology, anthropological studies, and social economics were areas of deep interest. His insatiable love for Thelonius Monk and nearly all musical genres (except country) was another topic of long discussions. Noodling on the guitar was a favorite pastime, strumming tunes from some of his favorite artists including the Pixies, The Cure, Modest Mouse, Radiohead, and Pink Floyd. This love of music was passed to all of his boys, who share tender memories of Deep Thoughts: the ritual of dad playing the guitar around the campfire as they rattle off silly stories to the rhythm. Brandon loved handball, cycling, hunting, fishing, and camping. He had some epic hunting and fishing adventures with his dad, his boys, and his friends. These memories are all held close with those he left behind. A selfless man with both passion and an intense sense of empathy, Brandon was also subject to depression, ultimately taking away his ability to work. He thrived on connection, providing for his children and playing an integral part in his community. In the absence of those things, he chose to end his life on April 18, 2020. He will be profoundly missed by everyone who knew and loved him. He is survived by his sons, Jackson (Katie) of Round Mountain, CA, Ellis and Nolan of Chico, CA, his son's mother, Rosie Compton of Chico, CA, father, Wayne (Christie) of Elkhorn, WI, mother, Barbara Teahen of Ft. Myers, FL, sister, Carrie (Tom) Sylvester of Brooklyn Park, MN, brother, Robert (Adrey) Stephan and family of Boise, ID, stepsister, Michelle (Jason) Hacht and family of Ft. Atkinson, WI, and grandmother, Delores Krancus of Manitowoc, WI. Also surviving are his dear friends, Rob and Emily, Wayne R., Angie, and Kate. He was preceded in death by his step-brother, Michael Hoffman and uncle, Bob Krancus. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a memorial service will be held at a later date, preferably with quick wits and cigars.