Michael Scott Brasel

Michael Scott Brasel of St. Paul died Saturday May 6, 2023 at the age of 44. He was preceded in death by his mother Nancy. He is survived by his wife Hilary, sons Oliver and Miles, father David (Andrew), sister Heather (Nick), brother Christopher (Angela), and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. 

Michael was an amazing man, and he touched countless lives by being the guy that ‘always showed up and did what he said he would do.’ Michael was known by many names: Michael, Mikie, Coach Brasel, Mister Michael, Dad, and, by his mother, “Sweet Prince.” He had the warmest brown eyes, the biggest smile, the quirkiest sense of humor, the best laugh, and a zest for life that changed every one who knew him. 

He was raised in St. Anthony Park, attending St. Anthony Park Elementary School, Murray Junior High School, and Cretin Derham Hall High School, where he first met Hilary in freshman year. He studied at Minneapolis College of Art and Design, where he obtained a degree in illustration. 

Michael and Hilary lost contact for a number of years after freshman year, but happened to meet again years later through mutual friends. She remembered him, though he didn’t remember her. Michael told her to keep talking and it might come back to him. They reconnected through shared interest in art and planning for Senior Art Shows. Hilary gave him her phone number, but Molly, his family dog, ate the piece of paper. Luckily she sent him a postcard to invite him to her show and the rest is history. After Hilary and Michael married, they settled a few blocks from his childhood home in his beloved St. Anthony Park to raise their own family. 

His job as a residential carpenter on historic and unique homes in St Paul and Minneapolis, with Golliker Construction, let his meticulous and precise mind and numerous talents shine. Outside of work he loved to make art and used his illustration degree to create logos, posters, portraits, and most of all screen prints. He loved vintage cars, going to car shows, and anything about automotive design. He loved all kinds of music and going to live music shows at multiple venues in the Twin Cities. 

He loved playing hockey on multiple ‘old man’ hockey teams and coaching hockey for multiple youth hockey teams over the last 7 years. Hockey was his way to connect with his own boys to help grow their skills and confidence, along with an endless list of other young players who loved him as a coach. He also, over the last 7 years, built a bigger and better backyard rink so his family could play epic 2v2 games and created a way that his boys would always have a way to skate. 

Above all of these amazing talents, the greatest thing about Michael was his genuine heart and endless love for those who knew him best. When you were loved by Michael it was not loud and flashy, but it was genuine and true. The love that he shared with his parents, siblings, extended family and close friends was always full of humor, joy, and the idea that he was always there for you no matter what. The love he shared with his wife and two boys was enormous, steadfast, and unforgettable. 

There will be a visitation at O’Halloran & Murphy 575 Snelling Ave S. St. Paul, MN 55116 on Thursday May 11, from 4 to 8 PM. There will be a celebration of life for friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. A Gofundme page has also been set up to support Michael’s family: www.gofundme.com/f/help-support-the-brasel-family

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