The golden voice of a prominent auctioneer in Monroe County is now silent.
Robert Brandau has passed away.
Robert “Bob” R. Brandau, 90, of South Ridge peacefully passed away Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, surrounded by his family, on the home farm where he was born.
Bob was a lifelong member of St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on South Ridge, where he was baptized and confirmed. He served twice as the president of the congregation. He was a faithful servant and often said, “God’s been good to me.”
The story of this colorful character began Sept. 1, 1929, when he was born to Rudolph and Anna (Birkholz) Brandau. The world would be forever changed by Bob’s profound ability to bring people together with a collective purpose. Rarely would you find a person who knew Bob who didn’t have a story to tell about a shared experience. Whether it be the setup for an auction or preparing for an event or card game or the building or repairing of something, Bob generally needed an entourage of people to help out with his “projects,” and he had an uncanny ability to recruit just the right people for the job. He woke up every day with a strong purpose and found people to buy into his ideas.
In 1950, Bob followed in the footsteps of his Uncle Conrad and became an auctioneer. He graduated from Reisch Auction School in Mason City, Iowa. Auctioneering was his life passion and a skill that he retained until his passing. It didn’t matter if it was a 25-cent box of trinkets or a $1,000 Holstein cow, he loved the auction method and firmly believed in it. He began selling for Randall Livestock in Tomah, and later sold at livestock markets in Coon Valley, Wisconsin Dells, Viola and Augusta. Bob called hundreds of on-site antique, household and farm auctions for other companies before his daughter, Mary Jo Hill, and son, Ken, joined him in founding the Brandau-Hill Auction Company.
As he began auctioneering and milking cows on the home farm, a cute little teacher at the one-room schoolhouse in South Ridge caught his attention. According to her, “He had a humble, caring spirit, but he drove too fast and had loud Hollywood mufflers.” Boy, was she impressed. On June 23, 1954, Bob was united in marriage to Alice Anderson, who became his tireless partner in a whole host of adventures. Those adventures included having five children, several business start-ups, and literally thousands of potential projects that he hoped would all come to fruition.
Alice spent her lifetime with Bob just trying to keep ahead of his next big idea. He conjured up lists of things he still needed to do. He talked about having more small-animal auctions. He wanted to paint the fence by the house. He thought he’d buy a different truck in the spring. The ideas never stopped. Remember that this is the man who had a prosthetic leg, who hadn’t driven in over a year, and spent the majority of his day in a lift chair at South Ridge. His brain never shut off. He could always do more.
Bob was a fearless entrepreneur, a risk-taker, and someone who could visualize things before they existed. He was especially committed to the success and development of the community of Kendall. In 1969, he purchased a livestock buying station from Adolph Wopat and built R. Brandau Livestock, which opened on Oct. 29 that same year. The livestock barn was one of the greatest accomplishments of his career, as it provided a market for buyer and sellers for 50 years. Whether it be the dairy, horse or small-animal sale, he thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the hundreds of people who came to the sale barn. He loved building community and providing space for people to connect. In the mid-1980s, he built the Round House Express, a convenience store in Kendall, and later built a second store, 71 Express, in Norwalk.
Bob was a member of the Kendall Lions Club for 50-plus years and served as the auctioneer for their annual auction for 48 years. He received the Knight of Sight Fellowship and the Melvin Jones award, which is the organization’s highest honor. He was also a strong supporter of the Wisconsin Auctioneer’s Association. He was elected president in 1976 and received the prestigious Hall of Fame award. Bob was a member of the Wisconsin State Legislative Board, which initiated the first license for auctioneers and was a member of the National Auctioneer’s Association for many years. His community service extended beyond Kendall, as Bob donated his auction skills by selling millions of dollars in support for the National Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, Whitetail Deer Association, NRA, and countless other benefits.
Bob’s grandchildren all knew that gatherings would include at least one game of Crazy 8’s or euchre. Put a deck of cards in Bob’s hand, and his entire demeanor changed. His face would light up, he’d get a twinkle in his eye, and his entire vocabulary changed. He’d often times “play it alone” when he had no business even bidding in the first place … and he’d “make it.” He treasured the Canadian fishing trips with them and watching their various sporting events. In these times, they experienced a youthful, confident and spirited grandpa whom they all cherished.
As Bob’s health declined, Alice, their children and families literally wrapped their arms around him and provided all of his care. He was extremely grateful to have them in his life and considered them one of God’s greatest blessings. He cherished Alice and his children above all else. Working together with them on the farm, at an auction, or at an event was what he loved. He knew he had succeeded as a father because he raised God-fearing, hardworking and community-minded children. Alice was the absolute love of his life, and he was so grateful for her constant care and compassion, especially the past three years. She was his faithful servant through it all.
Survivors are his wife of 65 years, Alice; five children, Gale (Ardis) Brandau of Tomah, Mary Jo (Bill) Hill of Kendall, Susan (Norman) Peck of Marshall, Wis., Ken (Dawn) Brandau of Kendall and Ann (Matt) Brandau Hynek of Hillsboro; 12 grandchildren, Amy (Kermit) Sharpe, Ryan Brandau, Jeri (Raymond) Maack, and Lacy Brandau, Jacob (Jen) Hill, Addison (Megan) Peck and Gavin Peck, Ethan (Cheyenne) Brandau, Mikaela and Abby Brandau, and Sawyer and Gunner Hynek; eight great-grandchildren, Ryan Stanek, Cole and Connor Sharpe, Nathan, Heidi and Miles Maack, Benjamin Hill, and Beckett Peck; his sisters- and brothers-in law, Joan and Joe Belsky, Jean and Roger Neitzel, and David and Barb Anderson; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his sister, Norma Jean, and her husband, Ellsworth Steuck; a grandson, “Andy” Brandau; and his brother- and sister-in-law, Norman and Margaret Anderson.
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History of Auctioneering
Joseph A. Almburg Jr.
DELAVAN – Joe was born in Dekalb, IL on April 15th, 1963 and has lived his adult life in Delavan, WI after graduating from UW Whitewater. Joe Jr. passed away at the young age of 57 on Friday, Dec. 18th, 2020 after losing his battle with Covid-19.
Joe was an amazing man with a heart of gold. He loved life, family, and friends. Joe lived for playing hockey, as he played at least twice a week. Joe also enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, golfing, snowmobiling, riding his Harley, hanging out at the fire pit with a glass of wine, and almost everything outdoors.
Joe loved to share laughs and tell stories, and he could tell them well! Whether he told a story once or 100 times, it would be just as funny as the first time you heard it. His smile was contagious and his laugh infectious. To know Joe is to love Joe, and he is so loved.
Joe was a Senior Account Manager with Univar Solutions. He enjoyed his job, his co-workers and was very respected. Joe followed in his family’s footsteps in the auctioneering business. He worked part time providing his auctioneering services for many charitable and wildlife auctions. He was a member of the Auctioneers Association, USA Hockey, National Wild Turkey Federation, Delavan Hunt Club, Delavan Lake Yacht Club, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, and several other organizations.
Joe is survived by his soul mate, Emily Van Der Haegen, his parents, Joe and Phyllis Almburg, whom he looked up to immensely, daughter, Joselyn Almburg of Chicago, and son, Andrew (Cassidy) Almburg of Delavan, all of whom he was very proud. He is also survived by his granddaughter Cora, who he adored, and his bonus children Blaine, Anna (Kris) and Scotty Van Der Haegen, who he loved as his own. Additionally, Joe is survived by his sister-in-law Lynn Almburg, his niece Emma and nephew Owen, who meant the world to him. Joe Jr. had many other loving family members and beautiful friends he has left behind.
Joe is preceded in death by his brother Mark, both sharing an immense love for the ice. Wilhelm and Helga Hauer also preceded Joe in death.
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Felten, George H. MONONA – George H. Felten, age 80, died on Monday, Jan. 8, 2007, at the HospiceCare Center, Fitchburg, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 28, 1926, in East Wrightstown, Wis., to Henry and Eleanore (Schwoerer) Felten. George served in the Merchant Marines on iron ore boats in the Great Lakes, as a teenager during the 1940s. He married Anne Skabeikis on Sept. 2, 1988, at St. Dennis Catholic Church. In his early years, George managed a large equipment rental company, in California. He graduated from Missouri Auction School, and was then self-employed as an auctioneer for 20 years, retiring in 1984. He was a member of the Wisconsin Auctioneers Association and the Cottage Grove Historical Society. George especially enjoyed boating in northern California in his younger years, with his family. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, and was a very doting parent.
In the last few years, Annes care giving helped her and George remain independent. George is survived by his wife, Anne Felten of Monona; a son, Robert Felten of Madison; a daughter, Jenny Massey of Madison; five grandchildren, Missy Schulenburg, Susan (Scott) Treinen, Laura (Matt) Braund, Tim (Leslie) Waterbury and Haley Massey; two great-grandchildren, Alissa and Tia; two brothers, Walter Felten and Jerome Felten, both of Superior; two sisters, Sister Mary Felten, OSB of Duluth, Minn., and Ann (Marvin) Kuklok of Phillips; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. George was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Vivian (Swinehart) Felten, in 1968; second wife, Phyllis (Culp) Felten, in 1987; his parents; and a brother, Leo. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 12, 2007, with Father John Meinholz presiding. Burial will be at St. Josephs Cemetery, Avoca. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007, and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in care of the family. Grandpa, while we will always love and miss you, we know you are at peace with the Lord. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com
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The Kentucky Auctioneers Association is a member organization of Auction Professional designed to assist, improve, and enhance auctioneers’ skills, education and success. The Kentucky Auctioneers Association, Inc. was formed in 1957 by a handful of dedicated auctioneers. The purpose of the KAA was and still remains to promote and advance the auction profession and to foster and encourage a spirit of cooperation and mutual aid and respect among persons engaged in the auction profession. The KAA aims to protect the interests of the members in all matters of legislation, to help, aid and assist at all times in improving the auction profession by technical training, instruction, apprenticeship and exchanges of ideas and practices.
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Founded in 1949, the Minnesota State Auctioneers Association (MSAA) has a proud history that is made up of dedicated members from all facets of the Auction Industry. Today we educate our members on current auction techniques and best practices industry-wide.
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On September 21st, 1906, Col. Carey M. Jones, the well-known livestock auctioneer and president of the Jones National School of Auctioneering and Oratory, formerly located at Davenport, Iowa, has just moved his school to Chicago, Illinois, and will be located hereafter at 231 Ashland boulevard, Chicago. Col. Jones says that the superior advantages afforded by the city of Chicago both for the school and Its students has decided the removal. The term of the school hereafter will be Increased to six weeks, although the price for tuition remains the same, $100, which Includes nil books and necessary stationery. One of the principal advantages of the removal of the school to Chicago will be the auction sales which are held dally at the stock yards. Students being able to attend these sales will mean much to them while taking a course in auctioneering, as it will give them an education in the value of horses and cattle that will be of much benefit to them in their business. The Jones National School of Auctioneering has been quite successful ¦¦ In the location at Davenport, and we predict much greater usefulness for it in the new location. The next term of the school opens November 19th. Col. Jones will be pleased to send any of our readers Interested a prospectus of the school and full particulars concerning the same. He will be glad to hear from those who contemplate making auctioneering a life profession and answer any questions concerning the school that may be desired.
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Source: https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=WAF19060921.2.39
We present herewith a likeness of Col. Al. P. Mason, Union, Iowa, an auctioneer who not only has a very strong following among the livestock breeders and farmers in his own immediate vicinity but whose services have been in demand at many sales in both Iowa and outside states. Col. Mason ls president of the Iowa Livestock Auctioneers Association, a breeder of Short-horn cattle and Poland-China hogs, and thoroughly competent to conduct sales of any kind. He ls a hard worker, gives everybody a fair deal, and has built up a business that any auctioneer could be proud of. The likeness of Col. Mason presented herewith is a good one. The colonel will be glad to correspond with any of our readers desiring to make dates for sales this fall. Since last September he has cried nearly 150 sales, which shows that his services are appreciated.
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Source: https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=WAF19050922.2.18
The First meeting for Montana Auctioneers Association was held March 26, 1961 at Northern Hotel; Billings, MT
Present: R.J. “Bob” Thomas, Ken Conzleman, Milton Mann, Bill McKay, C.R. “Tige” Thomas, Frank Bass, Bill Hagen, Jack Sedgwick, Gordon Gross, Ron Granmoe, Dan Lattin, T.E. Herman, Jack Ellis.
President: R.J. “Bob” Thomas
Vice-President: Ken Conzleman
Secretary Treasurer: Bill Hagen
Directors: Gus Bender, Frank Bass, Milton Mann, Bill Hagan, William McKay, Ron Granmoe, Bob Thomas
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The New Hampshire Auctioneers Association is a non-profit trade association founded in 1954 to promote the professional, ethical and educational standards of the auction business in the Granite State.
The Association continued its concern with professionalism when, in 1969, it lead the nation by drafting and putting into effect, through the state legislature, the licensing of auctioneers and laws that govern the profession and protect the public. A State Board of Auctioneers was created and the NHAA continues to work with the Board and the legislature to create an atmosphere of good will in the trade.
The Association boasts not only nationally known members but also an elite group of professional auctioneers serving all markets, who are capable of providing both buyers and sellers with the very best opportunity to realize the most from their merchandise.
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The most expensive chicken nugget sold at online auction is $99,997 (£70,709 / €82,190), sold by eBay user ‘polizna’ with the listing “McDonald’s Among Us shaped Nugget from BTS Meal”, on 4 June 2021.
The nugget resembles a character from the hugely popular multiplayer videogame Among Us. It was also part of an exclusive meal launched by McDonald’s in collaboration with multiple Guinness World Records title holders BTS. Having been listed for only $0.99 and receiving no bids for the first two days, the nugget received an initial bid of $14,969 which sparked a huge amount of interest online, with the official Among Us Twitter account even posting about the auction. After 183 subsequent bids, the nugget sold for just under $100,000 and will be delivered “frozen and then air sealed to ensure freshness”, according to the item description.
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The most expensive whisky sold at auction is a bottle The Macallan Valerio Adami 60 Year Old 1926, which sold to an anonymous bidder for £2,187,500 ($2,734,254; €2,498,485) including premium, at Sotheby’s in London, UK, on 18 November 2023.
According to Sotheby’s, The Macallan 1926 is the most sought-after Scotch whisky. In 1986, Macallan produced 40 bottles of this particular whisky, 12 of which were designed by Italian painter, Valerio Adami, in 1993.
Previously, the most expensive whisky sold at auction was another bottle of the Macallan 1926, which realized £1,452,000 ($1,811,250; €1,610,030) including premium, at Sotheby’s in London, UK, on 24 October 2019.
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