Cover photo for Heinz Brummel's Obituary
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1927 Heinz 2016

Heinz Brummel

July 17, 1927 — May 22, 2016

Heinz Brummel, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 22, 2016 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He was born on July 17, 1927 in Munster, Germany to Elisabeth(Otte) and Heinrich Brummel.

Perhaps forged by war experiences, our Opa, was truly a tour de force, a man of incredible will and determination. At the young age of 14, he was required to join a fire brigade and at 16 was drafted and sent to Denmark. Upon the end of the war, he was taken prisoner by the Americans and returned home to his demolished hometown, one that had sustained over a 100 air raids. He would study carpentry and architecture in Hannover, Germany. But inspired by the hopes and dreams of America, he and his fiance, Marianne Bellmann would leave his war torn Europe in 1953. They settled in Milwaukee where their sponsor, our beloved Tante Ka lived. With his first paycheck he bought a drafting table and at night was already moonlighting entering design competitions.

Within the first five years, he had married his sweetheart 'Nanne', gained some major commissions, and had three beautiful children. He documented these milestones thru innumerable B/W photos. Thanks Dad! His first major commission, for the Blessed Sacrament Church in Milwaukee, included design of furniture, the stations of the cross, and a massive 25' x 50' stained glass depiction of his own graphic interpretation of the Bible.

By 1960 he was a US citizen and a rebel architect. No firm could contain him nor his talent. From Milwaukee he ventured his family north to Green Bay, with brief work stints in various firms. He partnered with Jeff Nichols in 1963 and by 1966 he would start his own architectural firm. They added another child and moved into an idyllic Schmitt Park neighborhood, where many young Green Bay families were starting out. Between evenings at the Schmitt Park Pool and summers in Door County, mom and dad raised their family of four. With over 30 years on his own, dad was extremely busy, with many commissions coming his way. His portfolio included churches, schools, office buildings and homes.

Clients entrusted Heinz - they quickly learned that he would take care of them. Thus, companies like Giddings and Lewis Machine Tool Company, the Moraine Park Technical College and North Central Technical College Campus Systems would employ his services for years. His most notable Green Bay commissions included The First Baptist Church, Fire Station Number No. 2, Morgan L. Martin Elementary School, and University State Bank, (now Wells Fargo) on University Avenue. First Immanuel Lutheran Church in Black Creek is another prime example of his modern architectural style. For his last spiritual center design, he returned to Germany, along with his friend, the Reverend Richard Mauthe, to oversee the historic cast forging of Munster-like bells which were placed in the modern bell tower of the Ecumenical (Mauthe) Center. These German bells are to toll at his funeral held there.

His final 20 years were duly spent with his wife, who humbly and quietly allowed him to perform his love - his work. It also allowed them to enjoy their six grandchildren and their many retreats to Marco Island, Munster and his summer home in Door County. Dad loved the woods, the water and his two German Shepherds. They are walking with him now. His entire life, he wore a cherished necklace, given to him by his eldest brother, Gunther, on his departure for America in 1953. Within its clasps are inscribed the dates of his 32 visits to his Munsterland. There is no question that Dad's artistic soul and strength of spirit resides in each of his family members. But it also lingers a bit, in all those who met him...

In America, Heinz is survived by his wife, Marianne, and their four children, Heinz Jr., Minneapolis: Lee Peter, Appleton; Claudia, Atlanta; and Marc & (Paula), Green Bay; his grandchildren, Oskar and Oliver, sons of Heinz; as well as Berndt, Ava, Owen and Celia, children of Marc and Paula, also Otto his beloved Yorkie, who loved, licked and lay by him during his trying years. In Germany, he is survived by one brother, Walter (Liesel) Brummel and countless loving nieces and nephews that if were not separated by an ocean, would be here to celebrate with us during this time. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Gunther and Rudi.

Friends may call at the UWGB Campus, Mauthe Center, Wednesday, June 1st, from 11:00 AM until the time of the Celebration of Life at 1:00 PM with the Reverend Richard Mauthe presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be offered through Malcore (East) Funeral Home.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the many incredible caregivers of Allouez Sunrise Village, who assisted 'Opa' in his final six months there. Every time he pressed his button they were there for him! This amazing group still continues to guide and aide 'Oma' his wife, our beloved mother. We would also like to thank Unity Hospice for their added care and compassion in his final weeks. Opa humbly expressed his heartfelt thanks to you all!
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Heinz Brummel, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Gathering

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

11:00am - 1:00 pm (Central time)

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