Branden Richard Colassaco

MARKESAN, Wis. - Branden Richard Colassaco left us on Nov. 10, 2022, at the age of 44. He was reunited with his parents, Uncle Charlie, Uncle Butchy, Aunt Sharon, Grandma Violet, Grandpa John, and Aunt Patty in heaven.

To honor our dearly loved Branden, a memorial service was held on Nov. 18, with visitation at 10 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m. at Cornerstone Funeral and Cremation Services, at 181 S. Main St., in Markesan. The luncheon was held at 1 p.m. at N3152 Oak Road in Markesan. Anyone who knew Branden was invited to attend to celebrate the beautiful life he lived. Everyone was asked to come as they are, however they were welcome to wear blue, camo or baseball hats to honor Branden.

Branden was born in Ironwood, Michigan, on Sept. 11, 1978. He grew up a sportsman, known for his passion for hunting and fishing.

The best friend and older brother of Kristen and Pat Jones, he is survived by an abounding number of loving family members. Some of the special people in his life were his cousin, John Colassaco; and his children, John, Josh, Jacob, Natalle and Elizabeth Colassaco.

On July 20, 2020, Branden married Heather and became a loving and caring father to Marie, Samantha and Gina. His loyal best friend was his dog, Posiden, who can be seen reflecting the same love and joy as Branden in every photo they share. He truly loved Posiden and carefully trained a protective nature into Posiden for his family. Branden harnessed a comforting aura that would motivate and strengthen those around him.

His kindness and gentle spirit touched the lives of all who met him. Those who know him laugh as they recall the mischievous personality he had, yet no matter what trouble he got into, he was still quick to help anyone in need. Branden was a deeply caring and hardworking man who always aimed to do what was right without any judgment of those around him. A fond childhood memory he had was with his Uncle Charlie and Uncle Kenny hunting and fishing, especially at Gile Flowage, Sioux River and Sir John's Retreat. Branden was known for saying things such as, "Work builds character," and "Everybody has a story - you just have to listen." Branden was patient and kind-hearted to his core until it came to cooking in the kitchen they laugh.

For 20 years, Branden worked as a dedicated corrections officer, he graduated with an associate degree from Gogebic Community College in criminal justice in 1998. His favorite color was blue, he had a love for country music and spending time with those he held close.

We would like to say a special thanks to Chaplain Tom Drury who has been a shining ray of light in the darkest of times. We would also like to thank all of the first responders and funeral service providers who made this impossible time easier to maneuver through.

We love and miss you more than words can say Branden Colassaco.

Cornerstone Funeral and Cremation Services, 181 S. Main St., Markesan is honored to be serving the family.