Jeff Allen Brathall

Jeff Allen Brathall, 62, passed away on July 8, 2026. He was born on December 23, 1963.

It is with profound sadness that we announce Jeff's passing. Jeff died by suicide after facing struggles that were not always visible to those around him. His family shares this in the hope that it will encourage open conversations about mental health, remind others that they are not alone, and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Jeff was a devoted father, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his children, Denver Lund, Hailey Benish, and Cassie Ojibway; his sisters, Angela Brathall and Cheryl Gilliford; his nieces and nephews, Elizabeth (Randy) Harrison, Derek (Justice) Zinsmaster, Dillon Brathall, Deijah Lyons, and Jaedyn Brathall; his eleven grandchildren; and his lifelong best friend, Sarah. He was preceded in death by his parents, Doug and Marge Brathall; his grandparents, Curtis and Cena Brathall, and Forrest and Bette Ostrum; and his special friend, Kari Roberts.

Jeff had a lifelong appreciation for classic cars and was proud to have owned several over the years. He enjoyed collecting die-cast model cars, baseball cards, and special keepsakes that held meaning to him. Music was another of Jeff's greatest passions. Whether it was classic rock, blues, or country, he loved artists like Ted Nugent, Kid Rock, Johnny Cash, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, whose music was among his favorites. If you asked him who performed a song from the 1970s or 1980s, he could almost always tell you the artist and share stories and facts about the music. His appreciation for the blues ran deep, and he could spend hours listening to his favorite songs and sharing them with others.

Jeff also had a wonderful sense of humor and loved reminiscing about the past, sharing stories, and spending time with those he loved. Among his friends, he was affectionately known as "Silver Jesus," a nickname that reflected his unique personality and the lasting impression he made on those around him. Jeff especially loved teasing and picking on his family, and if he gave you a hard time, it was usually his way of showing how much he cared. His playful sense of humor, quick wit, and ability to make people laugh will be remembered and missed by everyone who knew him. He found joy in life's simple pleasures and was happiest when surrounded by family, listening to music, or talking about his favorite cars and collectibles.

Above all, Jeff loved his family. His children and grandchildren were his greatest source of pride and joy, and he cherished every opportunity to spend time with them. The love he had for his family will remain one of the greatest gifts he leaves behind. Jeff will be remembered for his generous heart, his love of music and classic cars, his knowledge of the things he was passionate about, and the memories he created with family and friends. Though his life ended far too soon, his love and the impact he made will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

In Jeff's memory, his family encourages anyone who may be struggling to reach out to someone they trust and remember that asking for help is a sign of strength. One of Jeff's favorite lines, from Bob Seger's Against the Wind, was: "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." He also loved the Tom Petty lyric: "Think of me what you will, I've got a little space to fill."

A Final Gathering the Way Jeff Would Have Wanted: A Party in His Honor 

Please join Jeff's family and friends for one last party in his honor on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Cheap Andy's in Hammond, Wisconsin. The gathering will begin at 2:00 p.m. and continue for as long as family and friends wish to celebrate his life. In true Jeff fashion, come ready to share stories, laughter, great music, memories, and a toast to a life that touched so many.

In honor of Jeff's love of music, we invite everyone to wear their favorite 1970s or 1980s band T-shirts as we celebrate Jeff the way he would have wanted.

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, a mental health crisis, or emotional distress, help is available 24 hours a day. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org/chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor. No one has to face their struggles alone.

Funeral services are entrusted to O'Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Baldwin. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call (715) 684-3434.