Peter J. Brogan, age 85, of Adams, Wisconsin passed away February 2, 2014 at the St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2014 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Friendship, Wisconsin. Father James P. McNamee will officiate. Interment will be at the St. Leo Catholic Cemetery. Military honors will be presented by the Adams VFW Honor Guard. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5th, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:15 p.m. Visitation will also be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church on Thursday.
Pete was born September 4, 1928 in Friendship, Wisconsin to William H. and Mary M. (Collins) Brogan.
He graduated from Adams-Friendship High School and was drafted into the United States Army serving in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1953.
Pete married Joyce Hayes on June 6, 1953 in Adams. This marriage was blessed with five children of whom he was incredibly proud. Joyce preceded him in death in 1985.
It was the summer of 1944 when Pete was just 16 years old that he first hired out on the C&NW Railroad. After his high school graduation he followed in the footsteps of both his father and brother, John going to work full time for the railroad. After 45 years with the C&NW, Pete retired as a conductor. Those who knew Pete knew that he took great pride in his work by the stories he would share.
Pete enjoyed reading, family get-togethers and socializing with friends. Over the years Pete and Margaret made several trips to Northern Wisconsin and, in particular, Lake Superior where he enjoyed driving, rock picking and the scenery. Another very special trip was in September 2001 with his only son, Ed, to Ireland where he visited many Castles and Irish Pubs. These fond memories gave Pete great joy to both reflect on and share with others.
He was a member of the Adams VFW Post #6279 and served this past year as one of the four Parade Marshals in the 4th of July Parade. Pete was also a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William & Mary Brogan; Brothers, Patrick, Edward, Charles and John and sister in law, Grace Brogan.
Survivors:
Long time friend & companion: Margaret Myers of Adams, Wisconsin
Daughter: Kathleen Miller of Friendship, Wisconsin
Daughter: Judy (Jerry) Jameson of Friendship, Wisconsin
Son: Ed (Carol) Brogan of DeForest, Wisconsin
Daughter: Pauline Fenner of Adams, Wisconsin
Daughter: Patty (Mark) Bula of Friendship, Wisconsin
Granddaughter: Cindy Blaskowski of Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Granddaughter: Niki (Aaron Nevermen) Nessler of Neenah, Wisconsin
Grandson: David Nessler of Neenah, Wisconsin
Grandson: Sam (Jenn) Nessler of Neenah, Wisconsin
Granddaughter: Mikayla Miller of Friendship, Wisconsin
Granddaughter: Adrian (Pete) Renner-Ognenoff of Chicago, Illinois
Granddaughter: Lindsey (Josh) Paulus of Neenah, Wisconsin
Granddaughter: Caitlin (fiancée: Lucas Ward) Brogan of Waukesha, Wisconsin
Grandson: Sean Brogan of Waukesha, Wisconsin
Granddaughter: Kelsey Brogan of DeForest, Wisconsin
Granddaughter: Molly Fenner of Adams, Wisconsin
5 great-grandchildren: Alexandria, Isabelle, Halen, Corinne and Bostin
4 step-grandchildren: Shawn, Stephanie, Jamie (Brian) and Cortney (Donnie)
As well as many nieces and nephews
Pete was very proud to be a life-long resident of Adams and will be greatly missed by many.
Judy and family I was saddened to hear that your dad passed away. What a wonderful person he was, he made my days at Villa Pines. He and I had some good conversations and we also had a lot of laughs. Every morning when I cleaned his room I could count on hearing a story he had too tell. He always called me Red because he couldn’t remember my name. He will be missed by all who knew him and may God give you all the strength you need to get through this. Again I am so sorry for your loss.
So very sorry for your loss, Pete was a neighbor of ours for many years, he will be missed by all who knew him.
Sorry to hear of the Brogan Family loss. While losing a loved one from this life to the next is at times a deep hole of pain, rest assured they live on within our hearts. Special thoughts go out to Pauline and Molly. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Pete brought joy and humor to many people. I have many fond memories of both him and Jo. Sending you my love. No one can replace him. I don’t think I ever saw him without a smile on his face.
What a character. Always enjoyed seeing Pete. Always had a story and it always ended with him telling me how beautiful my Mother was. He will be missed. R.I.P. Pete
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Brogan family. My mother was hoping to see Pete again but has had some health problems herself. She also sends her sympathy.
Margaret & the Brogan Family I was so sorry to hear of your Dear Dad’s passing. I remember years ago at Main Street Station,, when the Railroad guys would be there, your Dad, my Dad, John Terry & anybody else who fit in. They would tell stories, laugh,argue,disagree & drink a bit….They were Railroad buddies, a bond that was & is like no other. My thoughts & prayers are with you all. God Bless.
Growing up in AdCo was surely a fun, memorable time. Peter was a part of that, as he was like a brother to my Dad and the Uncle I never had. Going out to “Pete’s Farm” with Ed to drive the ’62 (or ’63?) Chevy Impala around the back forty as a twelve year old rat, with Pete watching us and having as much fun as us. Hunting squirrels only after a safety briefing from Pete and John, taking a break from talkin railroad. They loved the railroad. They also loved their families, we knew that. To beat the odds, living long, doing what he loved, around people he loved, it seems Pete was a success story. To the Brogan kids…my condolences and keep all the good times close in your memories! If you get to Hayward, Call!!!!
“ditto” on all of the other condolences. we will miss him & his funny “stories” !
Everyone who knew Pete was a bit richer for his friendship. Sadly, we’re all a bit poorer for his passing, but may warm memories sustain you in the weeks to come.
Patty and Family,
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I used to enjoy when he came in my store. He’d always say, “Hi Pete” and I’d respond with “Hi Pete” and the conversation would begin. I’m thinking of drinking a warm Blatz beer in his honor! (He said it was best that way.)
To the Brogan Family,
Railroading with Pete was always an experience. He will be missed. Our condolences to you all.
Your Dad touched the lives of many. Deepest Sympathy to his family and friends.
To the Brogan family,
Sending sympathy and love to you at the loss of your dear father.
His well lived life created many memories for you. You will always have and treasure them.
Patty and Mark, so sorry about your loss. Thoughts and prayers are being sent your way.
Very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Hope fond memories give you great comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. He was a wealth of knowledge for old RR history. I will miss his stories. Our deepest sympathy to the Brogan family.
Pauline and Family, You have no idea how special you are to us. How about that Fall trip you and Nicki took your Dad’s on.
What you have done for us is unexplainable. Wish we could help you now. We can only send our love!!!
So sorry to here about Pete. Please know that we are here for you.
My thoughts and prayers with you all. Remembering many, many stories he and my Dad used to share. God Bless and Rest In Peace Pete.
To all the family: Sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
My heart goes out to Pete’s family. So sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed by anyone that he came in contact with.
May u rest in peace my friend. Will miss are talks an laughter together and most of all your wonderful stories an your wonderful sense of humor. To his wonderful family an Margaret; my deepest sympathy to u all. U are in my prayers an thoughts. God bless!
We are so glad we had the opportunity and pleasure to meet Adrian’s Grandpa Pete this past summer! May you all treasure many fond memories of him!
We have lost a great source of local history.
Condolences to the whole family, I knew both your parents and I know how hard it is to lose them, try and remember the good times and memories and stay close to each other as life is short, my prayers to all. Barbara Tolley and Family
You have my deepest sympathy in your loss.
I always enjoyed the times he stopped in my office to share pictures and history of Adams County. And I enjoyed visiting with him at Liberty Manor. Much history is lost with his passing.
I hope that your happy memories will bring you comfort.
Kathy and Family
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of Mr Brogan. May God comfort you and keep you now and always. Heaven received a special Angel..
We are very sorry for your loss. Pete was a good person, always so polite and friendly. He will be missed by many.
Jude, Jerry and the entire family; I know this is a very difficult time for you. Judy; you were always there when I needed you, as I will ALWAYS be here for you. Your determination always amazes me You certainly lived by that rule when it came to the promises you made and you never waivered to do as you said you would.
I loved to stop and see your Pop, he always had a wonderful sense of humor. There were times we laughed so hard they had to send someone down to check on us. If he could not remember my name he would say; you know your friend that comes here on a White Harley. I do hope I added a few laughs for him. It is tough but always try to put one small step in front of the other when you can. You are all in our thoughts.
Time will help but as you know the pain will always be there. Try to keep the fun things in front of you.
He has gone now to be with all his rail road friends, and his other friends (of which he had plenty).
Peg & Jerry
To Pete: Thank you for all the life lessons taught vicariously through your daughter. You had a wonderful soul and I am glad to have benefitted from your uniqueness. You will be missed.
To Peg and the family: I am so sorry for your loss. Take care to keep the memories alive and cherish the life that he shared with each of you. Pass your memories on to future generations so that they may also share in the love of that sweet irishman. Hugs to you all.
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you all.
we are so sorry on your loss. Hold each other close and share your memories. May God, family and friends comfort you during this difficult time.
Sorry to hear of your loss. Your in my thoughts & prayers. May God grant you peace.
Our deepest sympathies!
Margaret, Kathy, Judy,Ed,Pauline,Patty, and Families, we send our sincere condolences to you for your great loss. Pete was a great and true friend to everyone. and he will be greatly missed. God Bless all of you.
To Pauline, Patty, Ed, Judy and Kathy:
How often growing up on Linden Street I saw your dad sitting with my dad to blarney about everything from politics to history to the railroad – often with a hops and grains beverage in front of them.
The two Irishmen are no doubt in some celestial Corner Bar right now waiting to hear how many good stories will be told on Pete’s behalf in the next few days.
I’ll be doing my part as tradition dictates!
My heartfelt condolences to all of you and to Margaret.
Our deepest sympathy to you and the family!
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brogan children: I loved Pete for all his stories and laughter. I loved your dad very much and enjoyed every minute when I saw him. Keep the memories close. HUGS to all of you. Laugh often as you think of all the great memories you have had with your dad. Share them, they will help the healing. Prayers to you all.
I have many fond memories of Pete and the railroad stories he and my dad would share with me. My sincere condolences on your loss. Rest in peace Pete!
Pauline & family, So Sorry to hear of your Dads passing. Enjoyed talking to Pete, I always called Him the mayor of Adams. I will miss him ,He was good Man. Our deepest condolences.
Margaret and the Brogan Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. R.I.P.
To Pete: words can’t express my feelings for you…I’ve loved you almost all of my life. From the time I was a little girl of 5 yrs. old, I just thought you were it…because you were! You always listened to me without ever passing judgement on me and gave me good advice. I learned a lot from you and have so many special memories of you that I could write a book. My late husband, John, he thought a lot of you as well, as you both were two peas in a pod. So to you, I want to say how very much I love you, & thank you for being in my life and making it brighter. Go look up John, pull up a cloud and you two crack open a beer and catch up with one another (smile)…oh I can hear the stories between you two now. Thank you for loving my mom and making her happy all those years. Rest in Peace…I will see you again someday and collect on a long awaited hug.
To Kathy, Judy, Ed, Pauline, and Patty: I’m so sorry for your loss…I truly wish that I could be there for you all. Your dad was a good man and he was loved by so very many. I thank you all as well for loving my mom and being there for her…it means an awful lot to me, more then you know. My prayers & love are with each one of you.
To my Mom: I know how you feel, I understand it…it’s never easy to lose one’s soul mate. I love you so very much, and I’m sorry that I can’t be there for you as well. Christina loved “Grandpa” Pete and she sends her love to you as well. I’m only a phone call away.
Much love and prayers, Kathy
Condolences to the Brogan family, Pete will be greatly missed. Working with Pete on the RR and growing up next door leaves many fond memories, God bless. Randy Johnson
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. It is so strange, I just so happen to be thinking of your family the day before yesterday.
God bless you, and I am truly sorry for your loss.