Matthew E. Bretl Obituary (2022)

Matthew E. Bretl, age 42, of Wisconsin Rapids passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. Services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Timothy Ritter will officiate. Burial will be at the Town of Sherwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 20 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services on Wednesday at the church. Matthew was born August 14, 1980 in Wisconsin Rapids to Richard and Patsy (Schwanebeck) Bretl. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids in 1999 and furthered his education at Mid-State Technical College, graduating with a civil engineering degree. He worked as a cook at Baker Street Grill and the Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids. He later worked for several area cranberry growers and processors. Matthew was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing and kayaking. He was a good athlete and played Little League youth baseball and hockey at Lincoln High School. He was a hobby enthusiast and enjoyed putting together model airplanes and driving radio control cars. He was a skilled woodworker, crafting many items including a special set of canoe paddles. Matthew trusted in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and prayed regularly. He was a kind, loving person and will be deeply missed. Matthew is survived by his son, Isaac Bretl and Isaac's mother Brooke Young of Wisconsin Rapids; his parents, Richard "Dick" and Patsy Bretl of Wisconsin Rapids; brothers: Mark Bretl and Michael Bretl of Wisconsin Rapids; nephew, Connor Bretl (Emily Edwards) and their daughter Everrah of Wisconsin Rapids; uncles and aunts: Arnold (Linda) Schwanebeck, Colleen Schwanebeck, Lee (Chairee) Schwanebeck, and Dennis (Peggi) Schwanebeck all of Pittsville, and Alfred (Florence) Bretl of Wisconsin Rapids; many cousins; special friend, Amanda Webb; and Lia the family dog. He is preceded in death by his grandparents: Edmund and Dorothy Bretl and Lester and Dorothy Schwanebeck; uncle, Ray Schwanebeck; and cousin, Anthony Schwanebeck. A memorial will be established at a later date. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home, Wisconsin Rapids, is honored to be assisting the family.