William Eugene Brehmer, 84, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 5, 2019, with his family by his side at St. Mark’s Memory Care in Austin, Minnesota.

Bill was born Feb. 23, 1935, in Litchfield, Minnesota, to W. Eugene and Margaret (Buchanan) Brehmer. His family moved to St. James, Minnesota, where he received his education. He excelled in sports, including football, baseball, wrestling and track. Bill graduated with the St. James Senior High School Class of 1953. He married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Evans, on July 25, 1953.

Bill worked as a plumber in Fairmont, Minnesota. Deciding plumbing wasn’t for him, he got a job working for American Bakeries, selling and delivering Taystee Bread in and around the Blue Earth, Minnesota, area. In 1963, Bill and Marilyn bought Duke’s Place, located on the east end of Long Lake near St. James, from Duke and Irene Randall. Duke’s Place was an icon for the surrounding area with its dining area, dance hall, and swimming beach. Bill was well known for his fried chicken, ribs, steaks, and all around delicious food. They owned and ran Duke’s Place for seven years. Bill was also a chef at the Driftwood Inn in Windom, Minnesota, and the Orchid Inn in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. He and Marilyn managed the Easton, Minnesota, American Legion for several years until he was hired as the chef for the Austin Country Club, living in Rose Creek, Minnesota. He topped-off his chefs’ career moving to Austin to help Dave and Peg Tollefson open Tolly’s Time Out in 1984. He worked there until he retired Feb. 23, 2000. Homemade soups from his “secret” recipes were his specialty, along with the other delicious items on the menu.

He loved to hunt and fish and was very connected to nature. He shared that love with family and friends. During his retirement, he re-fostered his love of art, and he and Marilyn both began creating many beautiful wood carvings that their children and grandchildren cherish to this day.

Bill and Marilyn raised three daughters, Rhonda Ostberg, Rochester, Minnesota. Barbara (Korte), St. James, and Susan (Jacobsen), Alden, Minnesota; and two sons, William Brehmer Jr., Castle Rock, Colorado, and Steven Brehmer, Austin. Bill has 20 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

Bill is survived by wife, Marilyn; five children and their spouses/partners; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; sister, Karen Swanson (Bob), Robertsdale, Alabama; and sister-in-law, Mae (Morgan) Brehmer, Litchfield. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother in infancy; his brother, Warren (Bud); sisters, Pat Wick, Joyce Johnson, Gayle Christensen and Betty Hendrickson; brothers-in-law, Lenny Wick, Jerry Johnson, Harold Christensen and Bob Hendrickson; uncle, Wesley Brehmer; and grandson, Jason Becker.

There will be a celebration of life open house from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, May 26, 2019, at the First Presbyterian Church Social Hall in St. James. Join us in sharing our favorite memories and celebrating Bill’s life. Lunch and beverages will be provided. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in St. James. Condolences may be left online at www.sturmfh.com.