RACINE – Sgt. 1st Class Brian K. Naseman, 36, died while serving our Country with the U.S. Army – 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team – 108th Forward Support Company, attached to the 2nd Battalion in Iraq on Friday, May 22, 2009.
Brian was born in St. Mary’s, Ohio on July 13, 1972 to Richard and Diane (nee: Schmitmeyer) Naseman. A 1990 graduate of New Bremen High School, he went on to attend Wright State University and The Ohio State University pursuing a degree in Education. Soon after, Brian began his 20-year career with the Army National Guard. Brian originally served with the Ohio Army National Guard, before transferring to the Wisconsin Army National Guard from where he had been deployed to Kuwait and Iraq. While serving, Brian also worked as a laborer for Masonry Specialists.
On March 20, 1999 Brian was united in marriage with the love of his life, Peggy E. Chmielewski. They are now members of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, VFW Post 1865 and the Wisconsin Field Artillery Assn. Among his interests, Brian enjoyed fishing, camping, golfing and shooting archery with his sons. People were naturally drawn to Brian’s outgoing, compassionate character. Above all, Brian was a true family man who loved and cherished being in the surroundings of his entire family, friends and fellow Service Members; but most of all with his wife and children. Brian is a Hero to our entire Nation.
Surviving are his heart-broken wife, Peggy; their adored sons, Cole (age 9) and Carter (age 7); parents, Richard and Diane Naseman; sisters, Lori Buroker, Christy (Jason) Eilerman and Sandra (Scott) Wendeln; Peggy’s parents, Shirley and Carl Chmielewski; brother-in-law, Jeff (Kandie) Chmielewski; sisters-in-law, Cindy Becker and Kristine (David) Ricchio; devoted friends, Scott Krebs, Scott Toutant, Danny Toutant, Scott Seymour, Colin Hackney, Patrick Ball and Nick Hamilton; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name.
Brian was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lawrence and Marianna Schmitmeyer; Carl and Hazel Naseman; Frank and Catherine Chmielewski; and Eugene and Velma Krebs.
Funeral service dates and times are now confirmed. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 10 am in St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring St., with Rev. William J. Dietzler officiating. Interment, with Full Military Honors, will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Friday from 4-9 pm and in the church on Saturday from 9-10 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the “Brian Naseman Children’s Fund” (at all Johnson Bank locations) has been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to our family members, friends and the entire community for the outpouring of compassion and support during this tragic time. May God bless all of you.
Carolyn (VonAschen) Garrison says
Peggy, boys, Brian’s parents and his sisters:
It deeply saddened me to learn of Brian’s passing. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. May time heal your sorrow, friends ease your pain, peace replace heartache and your warmest memories remain.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Carla Stirle says
Peggy and family,
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Carla
Chrissy Wick says
I am so sorry for your loss. SFC Naseman was a mentor. My dad, husband, and I all worked with him at one point in our military careers. May God watch over your family.
Jim & Carol Binkowski says
Peggy and family, words can not express how very sorry we are to hear about Brian’s passing. May God embrace you and give you strength during this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dave Suchland says
To Brian’s family,
I knew Brian since about the second grade when his family moved to New Bremen. What fun times we had. I think about sleep overs at the Naseman’s house, (one of the first to have cable tv!) goofing around at baseball practice and that contagious laugh of his. I loved to get him laughing! How fortunate I feel to have been able to know him. He is a true hero to us all. His service and sacrifice to our freedom and American way of life can never be repaid. He will be missed. Live your life for him, continue to do your best and make him proud.
Thank you Brian, may God Bless you and keep you. Until we meet again.
Your friend,
Dave Suchland
Denise Dietsche (WWR) says
My thoughts and prayers are with SFC Brian Naseman’s wife Peggy, sons Cole & Carter and family.
Godspeed, Sir.
1SG (ret) Chuck Smith says
We have all lost a good man. Peggy and boys this is a tough time with little answers to many questions. I wish you the best dealing with your loss. Brian was one of the NCO�۪s that I respected because of his management style and forward approach. You never had to guess what was on his mind and no one questioned his leadership abilities. I remember when he took the First Sergeant position and how I felt a loss of how we would replace him. He then took the full time job and I knew that the position was filled with the best person. His candor and care for his soldiers well being is far above most other NCO�۪s. He was one of the few full time staff that stuck his neck out for his men instead of covering his rear. That is an attribute I appreciated as a First Sergeant and most Commanders as well.
Tracy Kuehl says
I was extremely saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. I have many great memories of hanging out with Brian and Peggy especially the camping trips!
My thoughts are with you, Peggy, Cole and Carter. I hope you find strength from the many people who love and care about you deeply.
I was proud to call him my friend and will miss him dearly.
Ed Gold says
My heart goes out to the Family. Sgt. Naseman is a true hero and made the supreme sacriface for all of us. Prayers from one Gold Star Family to another.
SSG Nicholas Hamilton says
Peggy,Carter, and Cole I am sorry for your loss. Brian was a leader, mentor and a great friend. I first met him when I joined C Btry 1-126th FA as a PFC. He showed me what it ment to be a successful NCO in todays army. I will always remember all the good times we shared on the gun line, and always being the first to fire.
Peggy please know you and the boys are in Kaycee and my prayers.
Randy & Terri Cabunac says
Peggy there aren’t enough words to describe how I feel. Please know that Brian will always be remembered with a smile on his face and a Bud in his hand. My heart goes out to you and the boys!!
Aaron Buck says
Peggy,
I will be thinking of you and the boys, and all the fun times I had with you and Brian. I know he was very loved by all who ever came in contact with him,we just couldnt help it. I will always keep fond memories of him very close to my heart. My prayer go out to you and his entire family.
Joe and Mary Schauer says
Peggy, Cole and Carter,
We are praying for you.
Joe, Mary and Nevin Schauer
Patricia Flood says
Dear Sgt. Naseman’s family, words can not express how very sorry we are to hear about Mr. Naseman’s passing. My son (Scott Flood) said Sgt. Naseman was a great man and will be highly missed, he was in Kuwait and now in Iraq with him, and I know he is very saddened by his passing. I believe he was a great mentor for my son. May God embrace you and give you strength during this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless !
CPT Johnathan Koeppen says
On behalf of the 108th Forward Support Company, our thoughts and prayers are with SFC Naseman’s family and friends.
Jo Williams says
our prayers are with you family and friends during this time of deep sorrow. May God bless and keep you.
marty & tina davis ( rigden) says
peggy and boys just wanted to send our deepest condolences.you are in our thoughts and prayers.im very sorry. marty & tina davis
Robert & Rose Ann Mathieu says
We would like to offer our Prayers and more Prayers. Since our son was with Brian in the 108th this brings deep feelings to us also.
Sincerely:
Robert & Rose Ann Mathieu
John & Michelle Sladky says
Our sympathies for your loss. Our Son Keith served with SFC Naseman in Iraq. He was a member of his platoon. Keith also sends his thoughts and prayers. They are a close group over there.
SPC Matthew Ratkowski Family says
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Phil and Kim Hackbarth says
Peggy, Cole and Carter. As parents of USMC Cpl. Mike Hackbarth, having served two tours in Iraq and – thanks be to God – having returned safely from both, please receive our deepest expressions of sympathy. The ultimate sacrifice which your husband and father has made enables us to enjoy the many freedoms which we have, and for that we are extremely grateful. Please be assured that you will remain in our prayers, as well as all those who promote the cause of freedom abroad and protect our borders at home.
Sincerely,
Phil and Kim Hackbarth
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For you are with me; your rod and staff comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
candy says
You and your family are in our thought and prayers.
Mary Franzen says
Peggy: I would like to extend my deepest sympathy and support for you and your 2 boys during this very tough time. My son is currently serving in Iraq with the 108th Forward Support Company.
Doug and Beth Caldwell says
My husband served with your husband during their last deployment and had the privledge to serve with him at some of the units my husband has been part of since their return. He was disappointed that they would not be stationed together during this deployment.
He thought very highly of your husband and is deeply saddened by the news of his death.
Just remember that you will always be a military family and to call on us if you need ANYTHING.
You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sgt Glen Hannaman Family says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this very difficult time in your lives. We are very sorry for your loss and will be here to support you in any way possible. Keep your chins up and be strong.
108th Medics says
To the Naseman family. On the behalf of the Medic of the 108th FSC we would like to offer are condolences. Its been a privledge serving with Brian and a honor being his friend.
We will always keep you in are thoughts and prayers and be there for you, as Brian was always been there for us.
SSG.Krueger,Sgt.Prim,SGT.Long Spc.Moss, SPC.Flood, SPC.Borostowski
Mary Kay Holguin says
I was shocked when I heard the sad news, as I had seen your TV interview a few months ago. Stay strong. My sympathy to you, your boys, and family.
Mike and Monica Fink says
Peggy and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are truely sorry for this. May Brian’s angel be with you always.
Stephenie- West Lawn Memorial Park says
My heartfelt sympathies go to your family during this diificult time. God Bless you and all the soldiers and their families.
R. Hemke says
With our family’s sympaty.
R. Hemke
Spc Campbell, Jason says
R.I.P. brother.
Michael Scianni says
I am very sorry for your loss. My husband knew Brian very well and is very saddened by this. He is currently serving in Irac and asked that I extend his sympathies along for him.
Lori Scianni
Major Mike Scianni says
Dear Peggy and Family,
There are not enough words, nor are there the right words, to state how profoundly sad I am or how sorry you must feel for this terrible loss.
When I commanded “Charlie” Battery in Racine, Brian was by far one of the best soldiers I had. He needed little guidance to see to it that the right business was conducted and always did it with great professionalism. His service was impeccable and always delivered with a smile.
Not only was he an outstanding soldier, but I was also happy to call him a good friend. He cared for his soldiers, and we cared for him too. My wife Lori and I send our deepest condolences.