Paul M. Brantz
October 31, 1922 – August 28, 2010

Paul was born Oct 31, 1922 to Paul Michalek and Michalia Parot (Pujik). Delivered by Dr. E.G. Clegg in Monarch, Wyoming joined his wife Betty in heavenly Glory August 28, 2010. Paul’s mother, Michalia married Paul Brantz Sr. after her first husband died from black lung working in the underground mines of Sheridan. Paul’s new dad raised him as his own and added to the family four additional brothers, Walter, Eddie, Harold and Andy. Paul started his elementary education at Taylor School in 1928 living on a small farm located at the present day law enforcement center. He graduated from Sheridan High School in 1940. During his high school days, Paul worked for the Bondi Brothers at the Bondi Grocery, which was located on 5th street. He lived next door to his parents who had a small farm across the street where they raised a small garden and some livestock. Paul served in the Pacific Theater from October 3rd, 1942 to November 31st, 1945 as a Staff Sergeant. Paul earned several medals of good conduct and other similar service awards. When Paul returned from the service, he legally changed his last name to Brantz in Honor of his Father. Paul married Betty Jean Redman of Clearmont on July 14th, 1946 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sheridan and became a communicant member in 1947. The two met at a dance at Bruno’s Nite Club that was located north of town. Paul and his brother-in-law, James Redman owned and operated the Ace transfer business for a short time until Paul went to work for Ryan’s Cash and Carry in Sheridan which was a wholesale food supplier for 18 years ending as the manager. Paul also worked for the Sheridan Meat Company as an outside salesman and the State Labor Department in Cheyenne as a compliance inspector. In 1968 Paul and Betty began to purchase several motels and restaurants within the state. One of which was the J and E Café and Motel that was located on Coffeen Avenue in Sheridan and the Red and White Café of Casper. The other business locations included Wheatland and Thermopolis. Paul enjoyed hunting and fishing in his early years giving way to cooking and preparing holiday meals for his family. Enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and found the “Judge shows” on television worth watching. Paul had resided at the Sheridan Square apartments for the past 20 years where he had made many friends and held fond memories. Paul has shared many stories with his family how he began school speaking only Polish as so many of the miner children did not speak English. The trolley car that ran north of town to the coal towns, the railroad tracks going down the streets of Sheridan and how the cobble blocks would pop out on Main Street after a heavy rain and the road crews would have to drive them back down. Paul’s stories about the local grocery stores, meat markets and ma and pa businesses would always be welcomed. He spoke of a time when you could go down the street of Sheridan and know everyone by name, how neighbors gathered together at night and sat out on the porch and watched the children play and how even a trip to Billings was a momentous occasion. He shared with his children of a time when family brewing and bootlegging was an acceptable alternative to unemployment during the depression. How as a child no one knew they were poor because everybody was, as he would put it “in the same boat”. Paul was preceded in death by his wife Betty of 52 years, a daughter Paula, brothers Andy and Eddie and Grandson Brian, and great grandson Stedson. Paul is survived by daughters Kay Benbo of Sheridan, Linda Miller of Casper, sons Paul (Buck) of Casper and Steve and Carrie of Sheridan, numerous grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and several great great grandchildren. Interment will be at the Sheridan Municipal cemetery Saturday at 10:00 am with Pastor Cain presiding. A luncheon will be served at the church following the burial. In lieu of flowers memorials may benefit: Martin Luther Grammar School, 1300 5th St, Sheridan, Wyoming.

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