Brian John Landgraf, 38, conquered death and was called home to our heavenly Father on April 16, 2018. Brian fought a courageous 2 plus year battle with an aggressive blood cancer. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 20, 2018 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 305 Fern Street North, Cambridge MN. Visitation 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at Strike Life Tributes, 720 1st Avenue East, Cambridge MN, and an hour prior to Mass at church on Friday (10:00 – 11:00 a.m.). Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Forest Lake. (Those attending the graveside may want to bring boots.) In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested for the boys’ education.
Brian was born to Steve and Shelley Landgraf, in St. Paul, MN on November 1, 1979. Brian graduated from Park High School, class of ‘98, and Dunwoody College of Technology. He worked for the electrical workers union 110 until he was diagnosed.
Brian married his best friend Beth, on August 14, 2010 in De Pere, WI. They were blessed with two beautiful boys, Sam (6) and Jack (3). Brian loved taking Sam fishing whether it was for Northerns in Canada, bass in Wisconsin, or sunnies down the road from their home on Fish Lake. Just as much he loved taking Jack four wheeling, wrestling with him on the living room floor, and reading him books. Brian loved the outdoors and enjoyed pheasant hunting with his dog, his brother, Luke, and his hunting buddies.
Brian is survived by his wife, Beth; his sons Sam and Jack; his parents Steve and Shelley; his grandmother Mary; his sisters Stacy and Leigh (Paul Lasky); his brother Luke (Carissa); and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Beth, Sam and Jack~
Oh how my heart aches reading this. I saw Sam leaving school with Grandpa today and I just had a feeling. I don’t even know if he knew yet but the look on his face broke my heart. Brian was such a great Dad and always so willing to chit chat every time I saw him, if he wasn’t feeling well he never showed it. I am so heart broken for all of you and will keep you all in my prayers in the days, weeks and months ahead. Please let me know if I can help in any way.
Back in the mid 90’s I was at their house playing with Leigh when all of a sudden my biggest cousin comes in towering over her and I asking if we could do his dishes that he’d give us a dollar. (With his goofy grin) I knew he had places to go people to see being that he was 8-9 years older than me I knew better to say no. Leigh and I both agreed but the deal was that we had to finish the dishes before we could receive that dollar. Well, needless to say we did them and we have yet to receive that dollar 20 years later. I am grateful to have that memory forever with Brian. I am sad and heart broken for Brians family but I am glad that he is no longer in pain and that he is forever singing those Tom Petty tunes.
So much love Landgraf Family.
-Theresa (Landgraf) Westbrook
We are so sorry. Like you said Beth, “No more pain”. Even though we mourn his loss, we can also be happy for Brian, knowing he is in Heaven with our Father and will join him again one day. Sending our prayers that God will give you peace and comfort. God Bless you all. All our love to you all.
Mary & Matt Moore and Family
Oh my gosh, Beth! My heart is breaking for you and your beautiful boys!!! Brian will always live in your thoughts and heart. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. May God always keep you in the palm of His hand.
I married into this lovely family, but oddly enough I met Brian before I met my wife. He lived across the street from a friend of mine. My friend had chatted with him about how I sold my motorcycle and was going through Moto-withdrawls. Without even meeting me, he told my friend to tell me I could ride his beautiful Yamaha whenever I wanted. He let me – a stranger, more or less – take his motorcycle out on a ride, and when I returned, he offered for me to ride it while he was out of town that weekend. He gave me, a friend of his neighbor, the garage door opener and keys to his bike, just because. Fast forward a couple years and I see him again, this time dating his cousin. I thought, “great! I get to see this guy now at family events!” I will never forget Brian’s unbelievable kindness and his ability to see the good in people. He truly made an impact on me.
I remember spending a few days up at the cabin with Brian and the dogs. Such a fun-loving and supportive guy who will be missed by so many. Love to the family 💗
Landgraf family~
My deepest condolences in your time of sorrow. Growing up with Brian and the rest of the kids, just up the block I have so many memories. He was always so nice and wore his heart on his sleeve.
You all will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days, weeks and months to come. And if there is anything that I can do, please do not hesitate to reach out. That is what family is for!
With love
Tami (Ecker) Bertram
Oh Beth! I am so very sorry to hear this! I had no idea your husband was sick. You are such a beautiful person inside and out and the love of your family will see you through. Your sweet boys! Hugs my friend…
Beth, I am so heartbroken for you and the boys. Your family is in our prayers. My deepest condolences.
Dear Beth,
Reading this news, my heart breaks, and rejoices at the same time.
Yes, Brian has conquered death with Christ!
Yes! No more pain for him!
And also how profound his loss, for you, your boys, your families,
and all of us who have been inspired by him, by you…
with such honest Faith all the way through!
A photo from your wedding in August 2010 has stayed in my heart…
the three of us, during the Our Father…
the knot being tied…
as you two have held on to each other,
and let God
and the Church’s life and prayer help hold you,
through all of this!
You’ve got him to Heaven’s Gate, Beth.
In due time, he will pray you, your family,
and please God one of his priests,
through that same Gate!
My love and prayers, support
and deep admiration for you both!
God bless –
Fr. Tim
It has been such an honor to share this journey with you and your family and to pray with you and your family. Your faith has been completely astounding and I just want to thank you for sharing that with us. I don’t know think any of us truly know how we will handle difficult times in our lives until we are met with them and you have been abounding in God’s grace through it all. Prayers will not be ending.
Brian was my first roommate going out on my own! Back in 2004. He took me in to help get my adult life started. He bought me my first beer at the bar. We played a lot of poker in that time. We never got to the point of playing poker for a living. But it was one of the best times in bonding with him.
Brian always knew what he wanted to do and he did it.
He always wanted to know what was going on in everyone’s life. Even as recently as Easter 2018 he was more interested in what was going on with me than taking about himself. Family was #1 to him. I’m lucky to have known him and grew up with him.
He once told me that the best thing in life was a fresh pair of socks. “Dave go get a pair.” he said. And I did… Didn’t fully understand, but it was Brian I didn’t question it.
Chewy finally has his best friend back too. I’m glad he is in good company, first and foremost with Jesus! Followed by Grandma Grandpa’s aunts and uncles and anyone who went before him. May we all find comfort moving forward knowing he’s always with us.
I will miss you Big Guy! Your courage while you were carrying your cross is inspiring. Thank God for your wife Beth and your 2 great kids. They, along with your parents and siblings, kept you in the fight until Jesus called you home! Watch over us.
Miss you forever cousin!
Love you!
Mrs. Landgraf, the Lotz Family is sorry for your loss at this difficult time. We recently experienced the loss of my Mother on Good Friday. It has been a tough adjustment. Losing a loved one is extremely difficult. I have leaned on the happy memories and comfort of knowing Eternal life in Heaven is at hand. You are in our prayers. If you need anything please let us know.
My heart goes out to you all. Precious Langraf Family … there are no words. I remember Brian playing hockey & being at the Ringette games & always being just the kindest guy … love to you all 🙏😔❤️
I have the honor of being a part of Sam’s growth and learning every day. I was able to see and chat with Brian when he would pick up Sam after school. He would greet Sam with a big smile and a joke. He had a great sense of humor. He liked to share stories about him and Beth, or about the fishing trip with Sam, or a place they had recently visited. He and Beth even brought me back a special treat at Christmas to share their love for Wisconsin! I enjoyed poking fun at Sam and his dad about the Vikings and the Packers. I looked forward to his wonderful smile and genuine, kind heart. He was so easy to talk to. I will hold these memories warmly in my heart. Much love and prayers for you and your beautiful family.
Jackie and I are deeply saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. We find comfort in knowing that he is rejoicing with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Revelation 21:4 promises: “God will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Until you and Brian shall meet again, may caring hearts, happy memories, and your faith in God’s gift of everlasting life comfort and sustain you through this difficult time.
Love,
Jim and Jackie Hanson
We are very very sad about your loss. I wish I knew what God’s plan was and why things happen the way they do, but I don’t. I like to think that the way trying times like this brings people together, the way people show love towards each other and cherish each other is God’s intent. During times like this people mention that the one who has passed is now in a better place. That’s a hard thing to accept right now and for a long time, but it is comforting because it is true. Brian will be watching over you and the boys, always. His spirit will never leave your family. Just remember that when a story is told about him, he’s there. When a song reminds you of him, he’s there. When one of the boys catches a big lunker, he’s there. God bless your family. We will be praying for you now and in the future.
Beth, I’m so glad that I got to know at Pine City High School. Through those visits you and Brian allowed me to be apart of finishing your basement for Sam’s first birthday. It was during this time that I got to know him. Bonnie Sparling has kept me up on how Brian was doing and we prayed for your family. You and the boys are in our hearts
Steve and Shelley and family,
Looking at the picture of Brian above is like looking back 33 years to the little boy who came to St. Matthias with Stacy except he is lacking his beautiful dark hair. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a sweet, loving little boy and it looks like he grew into a sweet and loving man. May your memories of Brian bring you joy. May his memory be eternal.
Kathy and I are so sorry to hear this news, I just saw this a few minutes ago, and wish we could have been there for support of your self and Shelly. I can understand what a trying time it is for you and your family. Words can not express how we how sad we feel about you guys.
I am very happy I got to know Brian the last couple years while he came in to my barber shop in North Branch. What a fantastic young man. Heaven has a great angel now.
Shelly, Steve, Beth and the Landgraf Families,
I am so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. I followed the Caring Bridge Site for a couple of years and appreciated getting updates on his condition. I was encouraged when I heard about how things were starting to improve for him and kept in my prayers at our adoration sessions.
May God Bless your families during the difficult time.