Dr. Donald George Brandeau

Dr. Donald G. Brandeau passed away peacefully in his home on Crystal Lake on October 24, 2023, at the age of 96. He was born in Chicago on July 4, 1927, to the late Charles and Rose (Yaxtheimer) Brandeau. He married his beloved wife Dorothy Mae “Dottie” Seidenstricker on September 1, 1951.

Don graduated from Oak Park High School in 1946. While there, he won the Indoor State Championship for the 120-yard high hurdles. After graduation, Don served in the US Army Engineer Corps and was stationed in the Canal Zone, mapping the area to Costa Rica with aerial photography. Upon his honorable discharge in 1947, Don aspired to become a dentist. He was accepted into Beloit College to further his education towards that goal and to continue his passion for track. In the book line during his Freshman year, Don met the love of his life, Dottie. Don graduated from Beloit in 1949, setting a new school record in the high hurdles. He then attended Loyola University School of Dentistry where he received his Doctorate in 1953 with Honors for Excellence in Clinical Crown and Bridge Work.

In 1953, Don opened his dental practice in downtown Crystal Lake and later built his own office in 1962. He proudly served patients for 54 years, retiring in 2007. Don also taught Clinical Operative Dentistry at Loyola University Dental School one day a week until its closure in 1993. During his tenure, he received the Teacher of the Year Award in Operative Dentistry and was the only part-time instructor who was granted a full professorship. Don received numerous awards throughout his career including Fellowships to the International College of Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American College of Dentists. He was also elected into the Dental Honorary Fraternity, OKU. Don was a Founder and Charter Member of the McHenry County Dental Society holding various positions including President. He received the Distinguished Service Award in 1997 and was presented with the first-ever Dr. Donald G. Brandeau Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.

Outside of his career, Don was a proud member of many organizations. Some of these included the SAE Fraternity, Charter Member of the First United Methodist Church, and the CL Kiwanis Club.

Throughout his life, Don had many interests and hobbies. He shared fond memories of being a lifeguard at Conference Point Camp in Williams Bay, WI during his youth. He also enjoyed fishing, swimming, diving, volleyball, golf, and bridge club. Vacationing in northern Wisconsin and antiquing were special family traditions. He taught himself woodworking, how to create with stained glass, and enjoyed playing guitar, banjo, harmonica, and singing. Being a ham radio operator, Don was honored to speak with people all around the world. Later in life, he learned to race sailboats, joined a computer club, and researched genealogy. He always had a knack for fixing things and creating new things out of everyday objects to make our lives more organized and efficient.

Don was kind, intelligent, hardworking, creative, resilient, honest and loyal. He had a profound impact on the dental profession, the community, and everyone who crossed his path. He was passionate about lifelong learning and, leading by example, he taught meaningful lessons to all those who were fortunate to know him. One of his most influential sayings was, "Magnificent preparation leads to success.”

Don loved his family unconditionally, cherished his friends, and held the highest respect towards every patient he cared for. His life was lived with the desire to always do the right thing and to help and motivate others. His sense of humor was illuminating as he encouraged others to “Stay loose and stay happy.” His faith in God was strong and he lived life saying, “Walk in the brilliant sunshine of God’s love.”

Don is survived by his children: Lynda (Paul) Hammarstedt of Crystal Lake, IL, Don Brandeau of Plymouth, MN, Brad Brandeau (partner Raina) of Newberg, OR, and Barb (Bill) Barwa of Mukwonago, WI; his grandchildren Katie, Amy, Emily and Nico; his great-grandchildren Sydney and Owen; and his niece Jeanne Weidner.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Dottie; his parents Charles and Rose (Yaxtheimer) Brandeau; his older brother Charles Brandeau; his sister-in-law Evelyn Brandeau; his in-laws Otto and Marie Seidenstricker; and many treasured friends and colleagues.

Although Don’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who loved him, his memory will live on in the stories they share. Friends and relatives are invited to Don’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 18 at First Church 236 W. Crystal Lake Ave, Crystal Lake, IL. A visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service. As a living memorial, donations to First Church Crystal Lake General Endowment Fund would be appreciated.

Much gratitude goes out to the amazing caregivers and hospice team for their guidance, kindness, compassion, and love towards Don and his family throughout this journey.