Daniel P. Briquelet

Daniel P. Briquelet 66, Wausau, died Friday March 26, 2010 at Mount View Care Center, Wausau. He was born June 4, 1943 in Green Bay, son of late Orville and Marion (Wouters) Briquelet. On June 5, 1965, he married Patti Scheinoha in Green Bay. She survives. 1985, Dan opened his first Briq's Soft Serve store on Merrill Avenue in Wausau. It was the first of what would become eight stores and an institution in the central Wisconsin area. A job behind the counter of a Briq's would become the first glimpse of adult responsibility for legions of young people from the Wausau area. Dan took great pride in teaching these young employees the value of excellent customer service and the importance of sending every customer away with a smile (and often some ice cream) on their face. Dan expected all of his employees to work hard and be responsible, but he also made sure that they had fun and felt like a part of the Briq's Soft Serve family. Dan truly understood the responsibility of giving back to the community that made his business so successful. He greeted every customer, vendor, and employee with a smile or a laugh. Dan was very involved with the Downtown United Corporation which sparked growth and the revitalization of the downtown area and at the same time was President of the Westside Business Association. He was also a member of the Children's Service Society Board, on the Board at the former Community Credit Union, Wausau and was active with the DECA program at Wausau West High School. He was a member of The Church of St. Anne, and was a lay minister with both The Church of St. Anne and St. Matthew Catholic Church as an usher and Eucharistic minister. For Dan, running a Briq's Soft Serve was much more than a job or a way to make a living. It was a way of life. He genuinely enjoyed opening the doors of his store and waiting for that first customer to arrive. Not because he wanted to sell something but because he wanted to chat, tell a joke, and share a laugh. When it became obvious to him that he was missing something during the off-season, he began selling pumpkins and caramel apples in the fall. Later it was Christmas trees and wreaths in the winter, all so that he could meet new customers that, more often than not, would become old friends. And that was the true nature of Dan Briquelet; a man who opened a business simply so that he could be with the people of his community. Survivors include, his wife of 44 years Patti Briquelet, Wausau; two children, Chris (Kathy) Briquelet, Iola and Holly (Kevin) Briquelet-Miller, Wausau; five grandchildren, Abbie and Emilie Briquelet and Isaac, Noah and Zoe Briquelet-Miller; one sister, Judith (Larry) Coshun, Waukesha; three brothers, David Briquelet, Green Bay, Richard (Gloria) Briquelet, Iola and Daryl Briquelet, Green Bay; eight nieces, five nephews; one brother-in-law, Don (Ryan) Scheinoha, Mahtomedi, Minn.; and his beloved dog, "Tiki Lucille". The memorial mass will be celebrated at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at The Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Rev. Steven Brice will preside. Friends may call Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com