Brian was born July 30, 1957, in Fairmont, Minn., the oldest son of the late Mary Charlene Nettifee (mother-2014) and Carl Clifford Nettifee, (father-1993). Brian graduated from Fairmont High School in 1975 and attended Granite Falls Vocational Technical Institute and Albert Lea Vocational Technical Institute. Brian always maintained an incredible ability to retain details, and he used these skills in many positions he held during his life, from the sales of Grit Newspapers, Fairmont Sentinel, and Minneapolis Tribune, to the management of the Gomsrud Park concession stand, to other support positions. From December 1979 through July 2007 he worked for the State of Minnesota and Department of Employee Relations, until he medically retired. Although Brian was no stranger to adversity, he overcame it again and again. He loved cars, auto racing and Nascar. He loved music of all kinds. He was a competitive roller skater and competed with the USA Rollerskating League. He also loved square dancing and took part in club dances for many years as well. He passionately supported such groups as the NRA and the United States Concealed Carry Association. He also loved bunnies and cats, and his loving and sensitive nature was revealed when he was around them. Brian’s faith through so many challenges, only grew stronger and he was such a powerful witness to those that knew him, in his own way. His favorite bible verse, Philippians 4: 6-7 it states: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Brian would want that peace for all that knew him too. “In the middle of the battle, when the fight is on, when the burden is heavy, I will sing this song-no weapon formed against me will prosper,” from the Daystar Singing Group was one of his favorite fighting songs-especially when he faced spiritual battles. His life, his lessons and his legacy will live powerfully for all in the days to come. His burden, relieved, he has won the battle. The courage, strength and bravery he modeled during so many challenges, most recently his last chapter with cancer, opened him to sharing this part of him with those around him, and we are all forever blessed by these conversations and time with our brother and friend. He spent some of this time crafting his own songs, and writings during this time too. One other favorite artist, Garth Brooks shared in “The Dance-I could have missed the pain, but then I would have missed the dance.” His writings shared the pain, his writings share the dance.

He is survived by his remaining siblings, Diane Nettifee Hilleren and her spouse, Jerry Hilleren, Julie Nettifee Osborne, Lynn Nettifee, and Alan Nettifee (Shellie Gallant); nephews, Jordan Osborne and Nathan Nettifee; many other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, Brian requested donations to the Carl Nettifee Memorial Animal Shelter-Martin County Humane Society, http://www.mchsofmn.org/donate.html or to a donation of your choice in his honor. A celebration of life for him is being planned for spring 2021 and more details to be shared regarding this event in the near future.

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