Obituary: Archie Brylla
Archie Brylla, 88, of Baraboo, Wisconsin passed away on Friday, November 17, 2023, at St. Clare Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial took place on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church – Baraboo at 11:00 A.M. with Fr. Luke Powers Celebrating. Visitation was on Friday, November 24, 2023, at the Picha Funeral Home – Lake Delton from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. and again, the next day, from 10:00 A.M. until the time of Mass at 11:00 A.M. at the church. Following Mass Archie was laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Reedsburg, Wisconsin.
Archie was born on December 22, 1934, in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, the son of Carl and Viola (Weinke) Brylla. Prior to graduating from Webb High School in 1954, Archie joined the National Guard and proudly served for 8 years. He married Gladys K. White Eagle in January 1967, and they had two daughters: Yvonne and Yvette. While married, they adopted Tommy Billy, of Dilcon, Arizona, into their family. In February 1992, Archie was united in marriage with Penny Ramsey and became a stepdad to Robin, Ronald, Donald, and Angela.
He held various jobs throughout his life, starting with delivering newspapers, milk, and ice blocks. He worked many years for the City Cab, which was the family business. A majority of his jobs centered around driving whether it was for the Badger Army Ammunition Plant, HeadStart, or other various jobs with his cousin, Wayne Weinke. After his "first" retirement, Archie found it difficult to sit still and took on a new position at Ho-Chunk Bingo in the maintenance department.
Archie did a lot of things in his life and some of his fondest memories were building and racing in the soap box derbies around town. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles with his friends. He could fix anything and had a tool for every project imaginable. Archie enjoyed playing solitaire and a "cutthroat" game of hand and foot. He loved to socialize with everyone anywhere he went, whether it be working out at the Wellness Center or getting coffee at the bank. Archie liked to fish, hunt, and shoot squirrels from his kitchen door to protect the birds in his bird feeders. He was a diehard Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers fan and backed them, win, or lose. GO PACK GO! He had some staunch political beliefs; but would listen to everyone’s opinions and would then be sure to tell them why they were wrong. Most important to Archie was spending time with his family, from something as simple as sitting around the table and talking to going on multiple family vacations, including trips to the Southwest, the Outer Banks, exploring Wisconsin and habitual trips to Las Vegas.
Archie is survived by his wife, Penny Brylla; his children, Yvonne (Kory) Funmaker, Yvette (Francisco) Alvarez; his stepchildren; Robin (Don) Wepking, Ronald Ruskowsky, Donald Bohn, and Angela Ruskowsky. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Kayree (Ken) Funmaker, Moses Alvarez, Maria Funmaker, Maura Alvarez, Tonya Billie, Tyson (Shawna) Billy, Wilberta Billy, Joy (Clifton) Hollonquest, Tawn Billy, Tommy (Erin) Billy Jr., 4 step-grandchildren; his great-grandchildren, Colin McAndrew, Abel Decorah, Archer Tech, Rory Holle, Axl McAndrew, Kenny McAndrew and his 10 step-great-grandchildren. Archie is further survived by his brother, John Brylla, sister, Viola (Dennis) Penshorn, and sister-in-law, Carol Brylla, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Archie is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Viola, brothers, Charles (Leola), Arnold (Claudia), Frank (Bev), Jerry, his infant brothers Robert and James, son, Tommy Billy Sr., and favorite uncle, Joe Brylla. He is also preceded by his little buddy, The Cat.
The Picha Funeral Home and Crematory of Lake Delton, Wisconsin assisted the family with arrangements. For On-Line condolences and information, go to www.pichafuneralhome.com.
