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David Brandwein
David Brandwein
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David Brandwein Obituary
He is survived by his partner of 40 years, Joan, sons Michael (Allie) Brandwein of Portland, Oregon and Mark (Jiwon Choi) Brandwein of Chicago, Illinois, beloved pup Pete, extended family of lifelong friends, and the interdependent web of existence through which we are all connected.
David grew up in Chicago but often said he was born in the summer of his 27th year, the year he met his soulmate, Joan, on a canoe trip in the BWCA. Together, David and Joan navigated graduate school, careers, life's inevitable ups and downs, and raised sons Michael and Mark to be independent, confident, kind adults ready to write their own life stories.
Along with his dedication to family, friends and his career as a scientist, David loved to canoe, cross country ski, bike, hike, travel, and plan and complete home and garden projects.
David was kind, calm, and reliable. He believed in the power of science to make lives better for all beings and in finding and creating kindness, joy, and meaning every single day.
As interstitial lung disease made activity increasingly difficult, David accepted and adapted without complaint. He continued to find joy in a cup of coffee, a gentle hug or sitting quietly with Joan, Pete, and friends admiring the flowers, birds, bees, and butterflies who shared the beautiful little patch of earth that David and Joan were lucky enough to call home.
Special thanks to Janie and Jessica from Our Lady of Peace for the gift of hospice care; to angel sister friends Luzmery and Vera for caregiving, love, and support during David's final days; and to Steve, Dave, Alex, Marcie, Anne, and MaryClaire for kindness, support, and compassion during David's final months.
A remembrance will be held in September. In David's memory, and to honor the interdependent web through which we are all connected, please share a cup of coffee or a word of kindness with someone who is ill, suffering, or alone, and look for and create kindness, joy, and meaning today and always.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jane Isaacson
July 18, 2025
Joan, I'm thinking of you today and know it is a hard day for you. Please know that if I was in Minnesota, I'd take you out for coffee and some conversation. It has been too long since I've seen you. God bless you.
Hugs, Jane
Joan Brandwein
July 11, 2024
"I am a continuation like the rain is the continuation of the cloud." Thich Nhat Hanh
Today marks one year since David passed away-but the precious gift of his 67 years of life and the 40 years I was blessed to share with him did not end with his death.
Every day I hear from someone, notice, remember or share something that reminds me that David is still with me-and with others-in so many ways.
In the kind, calm, wise way he learned to be in this world, in the family and friends who shared our lives, in the gardens and projects we created together-his life continues-
I miss David every day-but I am and will always be so grateful for his life and for the years we shared. And today too I am so grateful for all who have-in ways small and large-walked beside me through this year of loss and change.
Joan Brandwein
September 12, 2023
As days, weeks and now months have passed since David died, I continue to work through my grief. I am so thankful for everyone who has shared kindness and compassion, in so many ways and on so many days, during this season of sadness and loss.
I miss him every single day, but I am and always will be so very grateful for the 40 years we shared and although he is no longer at my side, I know he will always be with my in my heart.
"Pay attention to the world around you, to the leaves, the flowers, to the birds and the rain. If you can stop and look deeply, you will recognize your beloved manifesting again and again in many forms." Thich Nhat Hanh.
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Esther Hope
August 29, 2023
I worked with David for many years at 3M. He was the best kind of scientist- versatile (I lost track of the different projects he was given), meticulous, always ready to help. His love of family and Nature shone through. My condolences to Joan and family--I am so sorry that he is gone.
Adam Bettmann
August 7, 2023
I had the pleasure of working closely in the cell culture lab with David for the last 7 years of his career. He taught me almost everything I now know about cell culture. His wealth of knowledge passed onto me is invaluable. I already miss our conversations in the lab about family and what activities we have planned for the upcoming weekend with MPR classical on in the background. He was a good man and a kind soul. Condolences to his closest loved ones.
Deanna Luebker
August 4, 2023
I had the pleasure of working with David at 3M. I will always remember is mild mannered way, his kind smile, and his willingness to help. He was a wonderful colleague, and he will be missed. I send my thoughts and prayers to the family. He will live on in all the good he scattered in his time with us.
--Deanna Luebker
Ryan Krisko
August 2, 2023
I worked in DDSD with David when I started with 3M in 2006, but I didn´t formally meet him until I joined the STL at 3M in 2015. There, we collaborated on many projects, and I ended up spending a lot of time observing David in the lab as part of the new GLP system he created in 2019. I was impressed with David´s constant desire to learn and improve the quality of his work, and his meticulousness in his experimental design. I also enjoyed talking to David about the things he enjoyed... the BWCA where he met Joan, his two boys, and the joy of the simple things in life. I miss him very much, and my heartfelt condolences go out to Joan, Michael and Mark.
Brad Bagley
August 2, 2023
David was a careful and thoughtful scientist. He was always ready to help and share his knowledge with whoever needed it. I worked with him for 20 years and he always had a kind word for everyone. I miss him greatly. My thoughts are with all of you.
Dale Wirth
August 2, 2023
I am sorry for your loss. I worked with David for 17 years at 3M. He was a good man with a kind soul.
Brandon Schumann
July 27, 2023
David was a kind, calm, caring, and thoughtful person. I remember the enjoyable conversations we had during the many occasions our families came together for holiday and celebratory meals or otherwise. My deepest sympathies and condolences. May he live on in our thoughts and memories of the good times we spent together.
Barb kopietz
July 27, 2023
So sorry joan. He was a wonderfully kind man. I have some good memories of him singing karoke and being so kind to Nikki and Keisa. Hugs! Barb kopietz
Steve Erickson
July 25, 2023
Dave was a great friend and co-worker. I will miss him dearly.
Steve
Anne
July 25, 2023
I´m so sorry for your loss of David. I have fond memories of time spent with the two of you. David was such a calm, kind, and thoughtful peroson. I will miss him.
Luzmery Erickson-Cancino
July 25, 2023
My sincere condolences to the Brandwein family. Dave was the bestfriend of my husband Steve, who then quickly became my friend after I married my husband. I can call David, Joan, Mark, and Mike as my own family. So so many memories, dinners, trips, holidays, graduations et. together. David called me an "angel nurse" and during covid, he made me a coffee latte for my shift. He also wrote without hesitation a recommendation letter for immigration back in 2000; I'm so thankful. During his last days, Dave enlightened me that every meal, snack, or coffee have to be with napkins. Love you David, rest in peace.
Bryan
July 24, 2023
Thinking of you and remembering all the good times our families shared together. Sending our love and condolences.
Diane Deutsch
July 24, 2023
It was a blessing that David and Joan met at that canoe trip. Many happy years followed. My sympathy to Joan and their sons..he will always be missed and loved for the man he was.
Debra Karplus
July 24, 2023
So many wonderful memories of David & Joan, particularly their time in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, but also many family trips to visit them in Minnesota's twin cities. Peace. Debbie Karplus
Doug Naylor
July 24, 2023
My deepest condolences. I will miss my favorite tree hugger
Jane and Bill Isaacson
July 24, 2023
Joan, David was such a kind, fun person to visit with and also travel with to Washington DC and Virginia. He also made the best cup of coffee for all of us. I will miss his sense of humor and smile. May you find strength in the days ahead, my friend. Jane and Bill
Vera Schumann
July 24, 2023
David´s calm and kind demeanor will be greatly missed. I am blessed to have called him my friend.
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