Brendan J. Brazil

Brendan “BJ” Joseph Brazil passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, August 14, surrounded by the people he loved. He lived a full and faithful life, spending more than 55 years with his one and only, Ginny.

Born in Waterford, Ireland, in 1937, BJ spent his formative years enjoying the wonderful Irish weather—an experience that apparently prepared him for just about anything life could throw his way. After a brief electrical apprenticeship, he left home to make his way to America. He worked for his Uncle Billy in Boston before choosing between returning to Ireland or joining the military. He chose the Air Force, serving his new country as a firefighter and beginning a long career of public service.

BJ served valiantly in the United States Air Force for 20 years, retiring as a Technical Sergeant. His service took him around the world, including the Vietnam War. While stationed in England, he met his Ginny. Once he was fully under her spell, there was apparently no turning back, and they married in Minto, ND. After retiring from the Air Force, BJ and Ginny returned to Minto, where they raised their family.

BJ continued serving others by operating Minto Fire Equipment Co. throughout the Red River Valley. After retiring from the business, he became the Walsh County Veterans Service Officer. He thoroughly enjoyed helping every veteran he could and took pride in making sure veterans received the benefits and services they had earned. One of his favorite hobbies was mapping the locations of “his veterans” in cemeteries throughout Walsh County and around the world—a lasting way to make sure they were remembered.

BJ and Ginny eventually moved to Fargo to enjoy the southern climate and retirement. Above all else, BJ loved spending time with family and friends. He was also an avid Minnesota Twins fan, faithfully enduring both the good and the bad seasons.

BJ was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Minto and St. Anthony of Padua’s Church in Fargo. Additionally, he was an active member of the American Legion, VFW, 40 & 8, Vietnam Veterans of North Dakota, and the Minto Volunteer Fire Dept.

BJ lived a life defined by service—to his country, community, veterans, and family. He will be remembered for his humor, warmth, determination, unmistakable Irish spirit, and dedication to helping others.

He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia (Ginny) Kerian Brazil; children Laureen (Randy) Mehlert, Sioux Falls, SD, Shannon Brazil, Minto, ND, and Matthew (Carrie Wirth) Brazil, Fargo, ND; grandchildren Kelsey, Ashley, Joseph, Jason, Brendan Michael, Gabriel, and Aiden; brother Donal Brazil, Waterford, Ireland; sister Madeleine Brazil, Bicester, England; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Patricia Herbal, Bismarck, ND, JoAnn Kerian, Grafton, ND, Winnie (Carl), Richland, WA, Dorette Kerian, Bloomington, MN, Helen Kerian, Fargo, ND, and Larry (Patricia) Kerian, Fargo; and many nieces and nephews around the world.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Mary (O’Mahoney) Brazil; sister and brother-in-law Fifi Brazil Leach and Cyril Leach; sister-in-law Clare (Hearn) Brazil; and brothers-in-law Don Herbal, Ted Kerian, and David Vorland.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 21, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Minto. Friends may call at the church for one hour prior to the service. Military rites will be provided by the US Air Force and Minto American Legion Post 201. Interment will be at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery in Mandan, ND. The service will be live streamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home website.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests considering donations to the Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN, North Dakota American Legion, or Hospice of the Red River Valley.

The Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton is in charge of the arrangements.