Brandon Thomas Dean Klitzke

Brandon Thomas Dean Klitzke, age 15, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, died on December 16, 2023. In his short life, Brandon leaves a legacy of kindness, individuality, humor, and love.

Brandon was born on April 28, 2008, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and was placed into the arms of Dale and Jennifer Klitzke by his biological mother, Jennifer Goetzke. Thus began a story of unconditional love, hope, excitement, and gratitude.

From day one, Brandon filled the hearts of his family and friends with his sweet, funny, and vibrant disposition through his kind heart, boisterous laugh, and adventurous personality.

Growing up on the shore of Lake Winnebago, Brandon truly embraced the outdoors and all the sports he loved. The lake will miss his running jumps, his joyful shouts while tubing, and day-long swimming parties with family and friends. The fish will miss the ability to feast on his bait in hopes to escape just one more lure. Brandon spent many hours playing basketball, four-square, and driving 4-wheelers, gators, and golf carts up and down the beach road. What a blessing to have caring and patient neighbors.

Dale treasured their annual father-and-son group fishing trips and deer hunting outings. After all, Brandon’s archery skills were top-notch. Brandon was introduced to the rugby fields before he could walk and carried on his dad’s tradition of playing a great game of rugby. The rugby community shares this huge loss with Brandon’s death and will forever be part of their family.

Jen will always wish she had one more chance to earn second place to Brandon at poker or Farkle. The perfect “boy-mom” to Brandon, she knew how to provide the space and freedom to let Brandon try new things, develop a strong heart, and seize opportunities to grow. The magnitude of his confidence level is due to the safe space and unconditional love in which Brandon grew up, with Dale and Jen at his side.

As a sophomore at Fond du Lac High School, Brandon was living the typical teenage life. His expertise at racing video games was sure to prepare him as a stellar driver one day. Local ski hills were a second home to Brandon and his close friends. With his favorite baseball cap, his dance moves, and his swagger while wearing his new aviator jacket and sunglasses, Brandon’s spirited nature was unmatched.

Brandon is survived by his dad and mom, Dale and Jen Klitzke; grandparents, Jim and Dianne Kleinke, Betty Klitzke, and Patricia Klitzke; aunts and uncles, Hector and Rhonda Joseph, Brad and Angie Bartkus, Adam and Pauline Gonnering, and Rich and Debi Mcleod. Brandon is further survived by his amazing cousins, Collin Joseph, Chase, Brett, Carly, and Grace Mueller, Sophia and Frank Bartkus, Matthew and Brielle Gonnering, Kaylee and Gwyn Mcleod. Special relationships include “Auntie” Ellen Balthazor; wonderful neighbors; his best dog buddies and sidekicks, Charlie and Bear, as well as many other family and friends near and far. A special thank you to Dr. Don Steward for all of the years of professional and personal care of Brandon. Brandon loved you all.

Brandon was preceded in death by his uncle, Dean Kleinke; his grandfather, Lee Klitzke; and special connections to his great grandmother, Gladys Lamers; and great aunt, Helen Davis; as well as many other loved ones.

The family has entrusted Uecker-Witt Funeral Home of Fond du Lac with the arrangements. A memorial is scheduled for Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1:30 – 5:30 PM, with a short memorial service following visitation, beginning at 5:30 PM.

To share condolences online, visit Brandon’s obituary on Uecker-Witt Funeral Home website or share a memory at the funeral home with the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to continue celebrating the joy that is Brandon and ensure that his kindness and compassion live on forever.

It is not possible to move forward without acknowledging that pain we experience is real and shouldn’t be ignored. No one is alone in their journey. Asking for help is a sign of strength – not weakness. If you, or if you know of anyone in crisis, please call or text 988 for help. Your story matters – and it isn’t finished. And Brandon would agree. #kindnessmatters