Carl Brasee Obituary (2024)
Carl Richard Brasee
May 14, 1931 - September 20, 2024
It is with heavy heart that we announce that Carl Richard Brasee, 93, passed peacefully at home with family on September 20, 2024, in Grand Island, Nebraska.
Born to Carl and Anne (Davies) Brasee on May 14, 1931, in Omaha, Nebraska, Carl was raised by his mother, helped by his older sister, Dot, after his father died too young in 1935. His childhood was spent mostly in Omaha but also for a few years in his mother's hometown of Seattle, Washington. He graduated with honors from Omaha Benson High School in 1949 –a stand-out in athletics and academics.
Carl continued to excel at the University of Nebraska Lincoln – earning a scholarship for football and joining R.O.T.C. He earned three varsity letters in 1950, 1951 and 1952 – starting on both offense and defense. Carl was elected a Captain of the 1952 team by his teammates and graduated with distinction with a Bachelor degree in Agriculture Science in 1953. He was commissioned as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force where he served with honor for several years on active duty and then in the reserves until the early 1960's.
On November 30, 1957, Carl made what he called the best decision of his life by joining in marriage – and in life - with Karen Luther of Wisner, Nebraska. Settling in Grand Island, Nebraska, Carl and Karen raised their three children – Margret, John and Mark – and became a part of their community. Carl entered the investment business achieving 9 securities certificates, including three separate principal examinations, over 67 years. He was a board member and leader in First Mid America Inc. which he and his partners sold in 1983. After which, he continued in the investment business formally retiring with Ameritas on December 31, 2021. Along the way, he did advance degree work at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. In 1967, Carl and Karen acquired ownership of Citizens Bank & Trust Co.– which continues to this day with three locations – St. Paul, Loup City and Central City.
Outside of business and family, Carl remained a life-long outdoorsman. He continued to fly with Karen around the country for many years, outskied his kids for decades and mastered both shogun and rifle. Duck hunting and fly fishing for trout in Western streams were his passions.
These are the minimum facts of Carl's life. Facts which do not do justice to the man. For make no mistake, Carl was emblematic of what it is to be a man. He loved and cherished his wife. He supported and encouraged his children. He adored and taught his grandchildren. He is a credit to his family, his businesses and his community as a man of classic grit and magnetic presence.
The Omaha World-Herald in high school called him "rugged" and "the most aggressive tackle in town - big, strong and tough." Apt descriptions that also include intelligent and far-seeing in his life of excellence.
Carl joins his beloved wife and partner in life, Karen - whom he missed for every moment since they were parted almost 6 years ago. He also rests with his parents, Carl and Anna Brasee; a cherished sister, Dorothy "Dot" MacDuff, her husband Richard MacDuff; and his nephew, Rick MacDuff.
Honoring his memory are his children, Margret Brasee Loftus (Eric), John C. Brasee (Debbie) and Mark L. Brasee (Mary Lou); his grandchildren, Courtney M. Brasee, Cameron R. Brasee, Rehn L. Rush (Gavin) and Lincoln B. Loftus; his nieces and nephews and many whose lives he impacted.
Visitation will be from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday September 23rd, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 212 W 12th St, Grand Island, NE 68801.
Funeral services for Carl will be 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday September 24th, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 212 W 12th St, Grand Island, NE 68801, with internment to follow at the Grand Island Cemetery, 3168 W Stolley Park Rd, Grand Island, NE 68801.
All Faiths Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
Memorials may be directed to: Husker Athletic Fund, Duck Unlimited or Trinity Lutheran Church in lieu of flowers.
