Earl E. Brandow

Earl E. Brandow, age 90, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday afternoon, August 26, 2025, at McLaren Bay Region. The son of the late Jeremiah and Irma (Berthiaume) Brandow, Earl was born February 5, 1935, in Bay City, where he resided his entire life.
Earl was employed by Dow Corporation in Bay City for 13 years before continuing his career with the Bay City Housing Commission, where he worked for 19 years and retired as Maintenance Superintendent. He was a longtime member of the former St. Joseph Catholic Church. Earl enjoyed keeping busy and had many passions, including woodcarving, trout fishing on the Rifle River, bowling, and golfing. He was also an avid gold prospector and a proud member of the Gold Prospectors Association of America.
On September 24, 1953, Earl married the love of his life, the former Catherine Demetris, and together they shared nearly 72 years of marriage, building a beautiful family and life together.
Earl is survived by his wife, Catherine; his children, Mike (Ann) Brandow, Jeffrey (Lori Rabe) Brandow, Deirdre (David) Rettelle, Daniel (Kathy) Brandow; and a son-in-law, Ben Scherzer. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Jesse (Melissa) Scherzer, Jacob (Chenwei) Scherzer, Autumn Scherzer, Adam (Katie) Brandow, Alyssa (Bobby) Hensley, Alex (Erica) Rettelle, and Sarah Brandow; and great-grandchildren, Marie and Winnie Brandow, Brooks Scherzer, and Amayalyn Scherzer. Surviving family also includes his brother, Gary (Sandy) Brandow; sister-in-law, Ann Shaffer; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by his daughter, Lynette Marie Scherzer; grandson, Bryan Brandow; brothers, Jerry (Nanette) Brandow and Donald (Janice) Brandow; and sisters, Marilyn (Chuck) Collon and Carol (Theron) Monroe.
In keeping with Earl's wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Funeral home arrangements are being provided by Trahan Funeral Chapel. Celebrate Earl's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at www.trahanfc.com