Brian was born in Orange, NJ and moved to Prospect Heights, IL in early childhood. Following graduation from Wheeling High School, Brian attended William Rainey Harper Community College where he received an associate degree in computer science. Pursuing further education, he attended Winona State College and had the good fortune of meeting Cheryl, who would become his wife of over 50 years. During his final year of college during the Vietnam War, Brian was drafted into the Army. With a bachelor's degree in business administration in hand, Brian reported for basic training at Fort Jackson, SC followed by Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, OK. Ultimately stationed at Fort Huachuca, AZ as a 2nd Lieutenant, Brian was proud to serve his country using his technical training in computer science in the data processing shop. Brian followed his military service with a long career in computer programming working for multiple companies including Farmers & Mechanics (F&M) Savings Bank, Hennepin County, National Car Rental, and EDS before settling in at Tamarack Engineering, which was acquired by SJE Rhombus, the company
from which Brian would retire. Brian and Cheryl married in Minneapolis in 1973 and spent their first years of marriage on the base in AZ before they moved back to MN to begin their careers and start their family. They spent 26 years on five acres in Blaine raising their three girls. Once presented with an empty nest, Brian and Cheryl moved to their dream home on the Rum River in Anoka where they spent their time enjoying their neighbors, their grandchildren, the water, and eventually their retirement. Brian's Christian faith was central to how he lived his life and brought him great joy. He could be found over the years volunteering at church leading youth group canoe trips, cooking meals, teaching, and helping whenever help was needed. In his younger years, Brian cherished time with friends playing softball and organizing annual fishing trips. He was an animal lover, particularly of dogs, and is greatly missed by his little dog Angus. Above all else, Brian found his true happiness with his family. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his wife and daughters camping, boating, fishing, watching his children's and grandchildren's sports and activities, working on puzzles, playing lawn games, and entertaining us all with his quiet sense of humor. Brian was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather who is missed more than words can express. Brian was preceded in death by parents William & Margaret. He is survived by wife Cheryl, daughters Emily (Bret) Yonke, Kelly (Brian) Kuhl and Robin Irwin, grandchildren Bradley, Keagan, Blake, Mikayla and Brooke, sister Linda (Jim) Butler, brother Bruce (Esthela) Irwin, in-laws Cindy Erickson, Brian (Debi) Smith, Bill (Connie) Smith and Claudia (Albert) Gonzalez, nieces and nephews. Memorial Service Friday, June 7, 2024 at 11 am at United Church of Christ-First Congregational UCC, 1923 South 3rd Avenue, Anoka. Visitation one hour prior to services at the church. Private Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Animal Humane Society.