Brian Paul Lautenbach, age 38 of Hudson WI and formerly of Chicago IL, suffered a stroke on Tuesday, December 7, 2010 and died on Friday evening, December 10, 2010 at Regions Hospital in Saint Paul MN. Brian was born on July 26, 1972 in Sturgeon Bay WI to parents Paul and Karen (nee Hilander) Lautenbach. Brian graduated from Naperville North High School in Naperville IL, and went on to earn his business degree from Elmhurst College. On June 14, 2003, Brian was united in marriage to Colleen Marie Royce; their union was blessed with four children.

Brian worked for over five years with the Andersen Windows Corporation, and most recently began work as a supervisor with the Tennant Corporation. As a young man, Brian excelled at wrestling, and was an accomplished wrestler in both high school and college. With Brian’s humor and skill, he became a popular member of the Chicago Condors Rugby Club, both on and off the field.  Brian made friends with anyone and everyone he talked to, in every place he visited. In more recent years, Brian could be found in the woods breathing in the scenery, watching out for the perfect buck and hunting geese with his dog Duffy.  Brian had just begun to introduce the outdoors to his children.  His pride and love for his wife and children was immeasurable and being a loving husband and father brought Brian the most joy.  

Brian is survived by his wife, Colleen; their children Annika, Oran, Kaspar, and Freya; his parents Paul (Karen) Lautenbach of St. Charles IL; brother Brent (Rachel) Lautenbach of Sycamore IL; his grandmother “Gustie” Hilander of Sturgeon Bay WI; his mother-in-law Janet Royce of Chicago IL; sisters-in-law, Jennifer (Bill) Pistorius of Park Ridge IL and Melissa (Scott) Garrigan of Chicago IL; brothers-in-law, T.J. Royce of Chicago IL, and Matthew (Mary) Royce of Orland Park IL; his loyal hunting dog “Duffy”; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.  Brian was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Donald “Casey” and Helen Lautenbach; his maternal grandfather Kenneth Hilander; his father-in-law Thomas Royce; and cousin Teresa Hilander.

A Memorial Service for Brian Lautenbach will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 South 11th Street, in Hudson. Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00PM on Tuesday evening at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home. Memorial donations are preferred to a fund that has been established: Brian Lautenbach Benefit c/o Associated Bank 307 Second Street Hudson, WI 54016. Brian’s family would like to create memory books for Annika, Oran, Kaspar, and Freya so they will remember exactly how amazing their daddy was. Within the next few weeks, please forward your favorite stories and photographs of Brian to Colleen’s sister, Melissa Garrigan, via e-mail at mer62626@yahoo.com, or you may also check the caring bridge website for information about helping the family create these meaningful memory books for Brian’s children to cherish. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/brianlautenbach  On-line condolences may be left for the family at www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, WI, and the Countryside Crematory. 715-386-3725