Obituary: Robert Brustman - Class of 1949

MADISON - Robert Brustman, age 70, died peacefully at HospiceCare on Friday, Aug. 24, 2001. Bob was born in Oshkosh, Wis., on July 7, 1931, to Walter and Amelia (Christensen) Brustman. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1949. He served in the National Guard Air Force during the Korean Conflict, and was stationed in Germany. He was a former member of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps and an Eagle Scout. Bob married Lois A. Schmidmayr on July 31, 1954. He worked for the University of Wisconsin, retiring from the purchasing department after 35 years of service to the state. Bob enjoyed playing and umpiring slow pitch softball with the city of Madison Recreation Leagues. He was an avid square and round dancer, with his wife Lois, for 50 years. He sang in the Capitol City Chordsmen barbershop chorus and in the Saint Maria Goretti choirs. Bob was a member of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church for 40 years. He and Lois enjoyed their summer home at Pioneer Park, Lake Delton. He also volunteered for the American Red Cross. As an organ transplant recipient, Bob and his family will be eternally grateful for the "gift of life" given to him 5 years ago by his donor Melanie and her family, as well as the transplant team at UW Hospital. Bob is survived by his wife, Lois; his daughter, Ann (Paul) Starkey of Ossian, Ind.; his son, David of Los Angeles, Calif.; his grandchildren, Jessica and Benjamin Starkey; his brother, Dick (Doris) of Richland Center; his sister, Lois (Ron) Heidner of Buena Park, Calif.; and nephews, grand-nephews, and a grand-niece. Bob was preceded in death by his son, Jim; and his parents. Friends may call at the JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2001, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., where a scripture service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friends may also call from 10 a.m. until time of service at the church on Monday. A Mass in celebration of Bob's life will be held at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave., at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 27, 2001, with Msgr. Michael Burke officiating. Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Maria Goretti parish, the HospiceCare, Inc., or American Cancer Society. Bob will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 26, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)