Most people are familiar with the work of Brian Lund, former owner and publisher of the Republican Journal “RJ” newspaper in Darlington. He also held the title of editor, writer, photographer, and sales representative. He was also previously employed as the circulation manager of the Monroe Evening Times, as he worked within the newspaper business for most of his life. Hearing the news of his passing on April 14, 2026 has left the community with a great loss.
Brian Lund was a legend. He was a trusted friend to all who knew him. Lund was the man at every community event with his camera in hand. He was both the guy who wrote stories which headlined community events, and he was also the person who worked behind the scenes to publish each weekly paper. Upon his retirement in 2024, he admittedly said to have used every kind of machine possible. He used old-school typewriters and a modern Mac computer. He set presses, and inked the plates for printing production in his younger years, before having the latest technology of the modern convenience to simply hit ‘send’ on his computer.
Lund spoke highly of a lot of people, especially those who he saw making positive changes within the community. He paid close attention while being the unassuming person taking notes in the corner. He wrote news articles about every meeting, celebration, weather phenomenal, historical moment and interesting person within the newspaper’s reach. The straight-forward approach in which he reported on issues earned him much-deserved respect. His words left an impression on those who picked up the latest edition of the Republican Journal each week. Brian Lund was easy to work for, with, and work alongside. The respect that was shared with each working relationship was a well earned honor from both perspectives.
Since the age of 10, Brian Lund had been part of the newspaper printing industry, which would turn out to be one of his life-long dreams. He began his passion by stuffing newspapers for the McHenry Plaindealer, working alongside his father, Larry Lund; and grandfather, Arnold Lund, when he was a young boy. The work day usually started with the purchase of a long john from the local bakery which he said he always appreciated. Once at work, Lund and his dad would take the time in the morning to race office chairs, which always brought many laughs. By the sixth grade, Lund was printing addresses onto the newspapers by using an Addressograph machine, a now-obsolete contraption that printed the addresses with an ink ribbon and raised lettering. Lund liked to share stories of newspaper production from his younger days and how much things had changed. He had a newspaper route as a young man, and later in life as he enjoyed delivering the Republican Journal to area outlets.
Brian Lund earned several awards through the Wisconsin Newspaper Association, which includes two distinguished awards, ‘Best Spot News Story’ and ‘General Excellence’. He has been recognized for his involvement in the community by most organizations throughout the area. Lund always acknowledged his family as being his biggest accomplishment. He spoke highly of his wife, Diane; and their shared appreciation for the community in which they lived. Together, their blended family brought peace and joy into each other’s lives.
Working with Brian Lund was a beneficial experience, as he taught his best skills by his own example. He had a way of carrying the love of the community in his pocket as he went about each day capturing moments and events for newspaper articles. He always had a knack for sharing a community story, making sure to place large emphasis on the highlights that he deemed were most important. Lund didn’t sugar-coat the truth, as he wrote what he knew, what he heard first-hand, and what he captured on live-recorder.
Pictures captured by Brian Lund were most impressive, as his photography techniques were second to none. From time to time he would challenge himself, using lighting, shadows, and angles to enhance any image that he captured through his lens. Most believed he had the ability to take pictures with his eyes closed, which wouldn’t be an understatement. Photos captured from his camera always left quite the impression.
Lund’s most recent adventure with photography was his ability to capture the perfect panoramic shot. His appreciation for photography was demonstrated with his extensive collection of more than 1,000 vintage cameras. His stories about mishaps in the ‘dark room’ developing photos often times ended with Lund chuckling at some of the mistakes. As much as he fondly remembered those days, he also admired the modern convenience of digital photography, and some of the ways he learned to edit those kinds of photos. It is safe to say that photography was always a favorite pastime of his.
Brian Lund will forever remain as one of the most knowledgeable and impactful people in newspaper production. His words, energy, and photographs will remain forever in newsprint. His influence remains with every protégé who had the privilege of his guidance. Farewell to Brian Lund, the Legend of our times. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
— Tammy Kilby is a Morris Multimedia reporter, writing stories for the Republican Journal, Platteville Journal, Richland Center Observer and Monroe Times, among others. She can be reached at tkilby@morrismultimedia.com.
