Brian Robert Van Pietersom, age 60, of West Bend, WI passed away peacefully on Monday, January 27, 2025 in Milwaukee.

Brian was born on September 29, 1964 to Russell W. and Maxine R. (nee Lasee) Van Pietersom in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Brian grew up in Milwaukee with his parents and older sister. Brian attended James Madison High School where he met his wife, Matilda "Tillie". Brian and Tillie were married in December of 1993. Together they bought their first house in Milwaukee, where they welcomed a daughter into their life. Later, they relocated to West Bend, Wisconsin.

Brian spent his childhood summer vacations visiting his grandparents farm in Ogema, Wisconsin. He developed a deep affection to this place, leading him to purchase property just a few miles from those childhood memories. Every chance he got, Brian would go "up north" to Ogema, inviting family and friends to join him and share in his adventures. Summer was the time for fun and Brian would spend all day riding dirt bikes and ATVs, tinkering with his tractors, completing a project or building his own motorcycle jumps with his bulldozer, only to end the day relaxed around a campfire. In fall, you could find Brian out in a tree stand before the sun came up hunting for whitetail deer and black bear.

Motocross was Brian's lifelong passion. At a young age, Brian became fascinated with dirt bikes. Before his passing, Brian shared the story of getting his first motorcycle as a child. Brian recalled he begged his mother to let him bring it into his bedroom, where he just sat on it for hours. As a young adult, Brian's love for motocross continued to grow. He spent weekends traveling to different racetracks with his friends. He maintained and cherished these friendships throughout his entire life as they continued to ride motocross together. As his love for the sport continued, he developed the skills to be excellent, taking home countless trophies over his years racing. Even when Brian no longer raced, he continued his dedication to his favorite motocross track, Aztalan, by working summer races as a flagger.

Brian spent over 30 years working at Alto-Shaam, a job he truly enjoyed. Brian showed dedication to his work by always taking the initiative to learn new skills, taking classes to advance his knowledge and completing a master technician course for combitherm ovens. When Brian retired early from his job, he always wished he could return.

Brian always had to be working with his hands and had a knack for small engines. He wanted to understand the intricacies of each machine, each motor, and each part. He enjoyed the puzzle they presented. Brian put his skills to work maintaining, repairing and rebuilding many motorcycles and restoring his Allis-Chalmers tractor.

Brian's canine companions were dear to him. Layla has stayed behind with Megan, but Sheba, Emily and Lucy are taking long walks and playing fetch again with Brian.

Brian is survived by his cherished daughter, Megan (Thomas) Tjepkes; and beloved sister, Linda (John) Mueller. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Brian is preceded in death by his loving wife, Matilda "Tillie" Van Pietersom, and his parents Russell and Maxine Van Pietersom.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will be on Friday, February 7, 2025 at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel from 5:00pm until 7:00pm.

Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Ogema, WI.

Brian's family extends a special thank you to the anonymous organ donor and their family, who gave Brian two new lungs in 2021. Your gift of life gave Brian more time with his family and friends, making memories we will cherish for a lifetime.