Brett D. Gelbach, age 43, passed away in a tragic airplane accident in Monroe, Wisconsin on November 24, 2025. He was born on April 4, 1982 in Monroe, Wisconsin, the son of Dan and Barb Gelbach. He attended Nashville Auto Diesel College and graduated in 2001. After graduation, Brett worked for Ryan Central and later moved on to The Boldt Company where he further advanced his career.
He eventually settled down in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where he met the love of his life, Danielle Sweeting, in 2015. Together they built a life filled with adventure, love, and hard work. Brett was dedicated to his entrepreneurial endeavors pouring his heart into the two businesses he owned in Oshkosh - Oshkosh Dock and Lift, LLC and Boondocks Pilings and Piers, LLC - as well as his multiple real estate investments. His success came from his determination and ability to build or fix anything. He used his knowledge and success to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Brett was "one of a kind" and will be especially remembered for his kind, generous heart and his way with people.
He had an adventurous spirit and lived his life to the fullest. Brett developed deep and lasting friendships everywhere he went throughout his life journey. While he was not always a man of many words, he never failed to light up a room with his little "pokes" and his troublemaker tendencies. When Brett wasn't working, he loved boating with friends, flying his plane anywhere that was longer than a one-and-a-half-hour drive (and just for fun), and exploring his need for speed on a snowmobile.
Brett is survived by the love of his life, Danielle Sweeting; his parents, Dan and Barb Gelbach; his siblings, Briana Froseth (Mike) and Garrett Gelbach. He is also survived by his grandparents, Jerry and Hazel Gelbach; his niece and nephews, Rebecca, Bryant and Graham Froseth; his best friend Neal Schneider; as well as numerous extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bill and Zee Bauman. There will be a private family service followed by a celebration of life at Bennett's Junction House in Monroe, Wisconsin on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. An additional celebration of life will be held at Fin-N-Feather in Winneconne, Wisconsin on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with a time of sharing at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted by the family to create a scholarship fund supporting students planning to pursue a career in the trades. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL DIRECTORS is assisting the family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com
