Obituary
Brian Lee Liethen
Brian Lee Liethen, 65, of French Island, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 15, 2025 in his home surrounded by family. Brian was born on February 20, 1960 to John (Jack) and Betty (Baerwald) Liethen. Brian married the love of his life, Linda Kay (Minor) Liethen in August of 1984. Brian lived a wonderful life filled with time in the woods and marsh hunting while also making sure to always be there for his family and friends.
Brian is survived by his wife, Linda Liethen; his brothers and sisters, Paul (Heather) Liethen, Christine (John) Clark, Patrick Liethen, and Jenifer (Bradford) Fry; his son, Brent Liethen; grandson Tatum Liethen; granddaughter, Elora Susan as well as many nieces and nephews.
Brian wore many hats throughout his life. Early in his adult life, Brian enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard and was stationed with the 273rd Engineer company out of Onalaska for the duration of his service. He was also a butcher for many years, working at Pat and Mike’s Meats among other places. In the late 80’s, Brian started working for Kwik Trip and ended up climbing the ladder to management by the time he was able to retire early at age 55.
After retirement, Brian spent a lot of his time fishing with his grandson Tatum, brother Jeff, or best friend Rick Joaquin. He also loved to be with his wife Linda at the beach or on the river as often as he could. Brian also was a huge Green Bay Packers fan and loved nothing more than sitting down with his family and cheering on the Pack.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am on Tuesday September 23, 2025 at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska, with visitation from 10:30 am until the time of service. Pastor David Baldukas will officiate. Military Honors will be performed after the service followed by a luncheon.
God’s speed Brian, my condolences for the loved ones you left behind 🙏🏻
Linda and entire family,
Losses are always difficult…It’s harder when a special man like Brian is called home. God must need help with the game over population. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
In loving memory of Brian. May this light be a comfort to family, friends, and loved ones as we hold his memory close to our hearts.
Our sincerest condolences to Linda, Family, and Friends. Rest in peace Brian. Prayers and Love to All.
Linda, I am so sorry for your loss. my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I was blessed as a teacher to have many of the Liethen clan in class. They each had their own unique personality that was thoroughly enjoyable. My heart goes out to Brian’s surviving siblings and to his immediate family. I remember Brian as a self reliant, self confident, upfront person, that challenged himself to do his best. I could play with Brian and he would play back. Never disrespectful. The kind of student teachers love to have. Brian, thank you for being the character you were and for making art class so much fun for me and your classmates. For ever in my heart and in my memory.
Brian is one of my favorite Onalaska High School classmates. Peace to Brian’s family and friends
My condolences, Linda, family and friends. Rest in peace, Brian. Peace and Love and may God bless you and keep you lifted up, Linda.
I always enjoyed listening to Brian sing in the band at Olivet. His smiling face and adventurous spirit were the things I always noticed about him first!
Linda and family, my sincerest condolences on losing a husband/best friend, dad, and grandpa.
Brian the ultimate birthday-buddy!
Linda, Brent and family, I was so sorry to hear about Brian’s illness and passing. I have many fond memories of his smile, hugs, and deep voice. I so enjoyed singing with him on the Olivet praise team and even the gospel choir. God’s peace to you all in this loss.
I was very surprised to learn about Brian’s passing. We were grade school friends at St. Pat’s. I remember him screwing off with Jeff Pederson on the altar when we’d practice for masses. I also conned him and Kirk Donskey into singing and dancing with Nancy Osweiler and Vicki Lepsch’s version of the Sound of Music kids. We performed at a talent show and on the Leithold Music hour. My deepest sympathies to his family.
My heartfelt sympathy to the entire Liethen family on the loss of Brian.
While no words of mine can ease the pain you are going through, I hope you can find some comfort in all of the wonderful memories you shared together.
Rest In Peace, Brian.
Rest in peace Bro…we had a lot of good times back in the day. My condolences to Linda and the entire Liethen family.
I was so very saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. He always brought a smile to my face. Sending you and your family all of my thoughts and prayers for peace in your hearts. Love From all of us at Quillins
My condolences to Linda and family.
What made Brian’s presence in your art class so memorable—not just as a student, but as a person who enriched the classroom community?
What if the mark of a truly great teacher isn’t taking credit—but stepping quietly to the side so a student’s effort, growth, and achievement can shine unobscured?