Nicholas J. Brazeau Sr.

Nicholas (Nick) John Brazeau passed away on December 24, 2025 after struggling with primary progressive aphasia. Nick was born on September 7, 1945 to Bernard and Cathryn Brazeau in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. He was the youngest of four brothers who enjoyed sometimes wild childhoods between Wisconsin Rapids, Cranmoor and Waupaca, Wisconsin. Nick enjoyed school (particularly anything related to history), political discourse, and occasionally imbibing a Budweiser beer, sometimes several. He was generous and engaging and loved to tell a good joke with his booming voice. He loved spending time at Bulls-Eye Country Club golfing and spending time with close friends and family. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. Nick had many strong friendships, but those with Alan Grishke and Leon Schmidt stood out. Friends for over 75 years, Al and Leon continued to take Nick out for drives around Wood County listening to 60’s music or for an early breakfast at the Little Pink Café or Four Star restaurant up until his final weeks.
Nick graduated proudly from Lincoln High School with the class of 1963. He went on to undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, as was family tradition. He decided to go to law school, and started at Marquette, but soon transferred back to UW-Madison, where he received his law degree with honors. He then returned to Wisconsin Rapids with his wife, Barbara (nee Scherbel), where he joined the law firm of Cole & Conway, which was his grandfather’s firm. That firm would eventually be merged with another to create Brazeau, Potter, Wefel and Nettesheim where he practiced for many years. Nick ultimately served Wood County as an attorney for approximately 50 years. He served on the Wood County Historical Society, was the Chair of the Wood County Republican Party, and a proud member of the local Rotary, among other things. He loved his hometown and Wood County and could go on for hours talking about its history and people.
Nick is preceded in death by his parents and brother Dave, as well as his first wife Barbara Underwood and his second wife Jennifer Brazeau. He is survived by brothers Bill and Ted, his sons Nick (Lisa) and Bill (Nancy), his stepdaughter Britta, and his grandchildren Bing, Barb, Chris and Ella.
A celebration of life will be held this summer at Bulls-Eye Country Club (date to be determined). In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make any memorials to the South Wood County Historical Museum in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
Thank you to the staff at The Waterford, the Wausau Hospital, and Wisconsin Rapids Health Services for taking great care of Nick until his passing.
Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Brazeau family.