Brian Eggebrecht
Brian E. Eggebrecht, age 66, of Minocqua, formerly of Colby, passed away on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022, at Froedert Hospital in Wauwatosa.
A visitation will take place from 3 until 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. A Celebration of Life will be held starting at 6 p.m. at the VFW in Colby. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to St. Jude’s Hospital.
Brian was born on February 29, 1956, the son of James and Mary Lou (Spindler) Eggebrecht in Marshfield. He graduated from Colby High School and earned an associated degree in food science. Brian and his brothers owned and operated Welcome Dairy for many years until his retirement in 2019. He was also a licensed cheese grader for the state of Wisconsin.
Brian was a lifelong member of the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, and unparalleled in his devotion to improving the dairy industry. He was instrumental in the growth of the world’s largest dairy product competitions as chairman of the World Championship Cheese Contest and United States Championship Cheese Contest for more than 30 years. The large corps of dairy industry volunteers at these annual competitions have taken on the name “The B Team” in honor of Brian. The Eggebrecht Award, inspired by Brian’s example, honors long-serving B-Team members each year.
In 2021, Brian worked with WCMA and made a generous donation to initiate the Brian Eggebrecht Student Scholarship supporting skilled trades in the dairy industry. Students at state technical colleges earn Brian’s scholarships toward their studies leading to careers in dairy. He also started a scholarship for Colby High School for graduates attending technical colleges. In 2012, the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association recognized Brian’s dedication to industry service and brilliant leadership with its highest honor: The WCMA Lifetime Member Award. Brian was united in marriage to Lynn Oleson on February 16, 2018. He was very sociable and loved to entertain. Brian was very generous in giving back both in time and money to his community. He was very proud of the many years he coached basketball and Pop Warner football (CUDA). Most importantly, Brian loved and cherished his boys and grandchildren.
Brian is survived by his wife, Lynn Eggebrecht; two sons: Matthew (Hillary) Eggebrecht of Eau Claire and Dustin (Kristi) Eggebrecht of Green Bay; a step-son, Nicholas Ostrowski of Ringle; three grandchildren: Leonard, Deegan and Kaisley. He is further survived by his mother, Mary Lou Eggebrecht of Marshfield; five siblings: Jerry (Tari) Eggebrecht of Arizona, Terry Eggebrecht of Minocqua, Lea Eggebrecht (fiancée, Rachel Kunze) of Abbotsford, Claire Eggebrecht of Pittsville and Karen (Dean) Rindfleisch of Stratford; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, James. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.
Paid obituary 125117
