Brandon Douglas Stonionis, age 23, of Rochester, MN, died in Tinley Park, IL January 11, 2010.

Born November 8, 1986, Brandon was, from day one, an important part of many people's lives. This young man, living only a short time, had a presence that will always be remembered.

He was special in a way that no one could replicate. A class clown, who, as many people will remember, could make anyone laugh (roofies, burnouts, hot karls, fireworks, the tickle bug, the little man outside, scoobies, core, low-riders, deformed science books, Johnny pants, generic) and also was a truly caring person who was always there for his friends and his families; he had a heart of gold that shined through the goofiness. After his father, Dan Stonionis, passed away in 2008, his gentle nature could be seen even more along with the strength in remembering someone through memories while trying to live life to its fullest and "making his father proud".

Brandon, for elementary school, attended Byron, Bamber Valley, Sunset Terrace and Lincoln Choice School. He continued at Lincoln throughout middle school and then graduated from Mayo High School in 2005. Brandon had various jobs while growing up. His first job was at Brother's Bar and Grill. He also worked for Jeff Meyeraan, siding homes and Tilley's Tavern in Oronoco as a cook for 3 years. Brandon earned a scholarship through the Rotary STRIVE Program through the Rochester school district. He attended and graduated from Dakota County Technical College as an electrical lineworker. He was immediately hired through ComEd, Excellon Corporation in Chicago Illinois as an apprentice electrical line worker. He continued schooling through the company and earned his journeyman license and worked as a transmission overhead journeyman lineman. He worked for the company for three and a half years.

He enjoyed shooting pool, riding his Harley Davidson, Motocross, Nascar (Jeff Gordon), fishing, hunting, trips to Dave Pernu's cabin, golf, guitar and Dumb and Dumber.

Survivors include his mother: Tonya Stonionis. Sister: Danielle Stonionis. Grandparents: Joe and Diane Stonionis and Clint and Sharon Kueker. Great Grandparents: Nancy Shatford, Constance and George Anderson and Elizabeth Stonionis. Uncles: Doug Stonionis, Dave Stonionis, Brian Salmon, Mike Howard and Bob Volk. Aunts: Dana Salmon, Carrie Hursey, Trudy Kueker, and Tracy Kueker. Cousins: Caitlyn Salmon, Jamison Stonionis. Significant other: Liz Williams. Best friend: John Fiek. He was preceded in death by his father: Daniel Stonionis, great grandparents: John Shatford, Joseph P. Stonionis, George and Esther Peters, and Edith and William Kueker and cousin: Jordan Salmon.

A wake will be held at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12 ^th Street SE, Rochester, Minnesota on Monday, January 18, 2010 at 5:00pm-8:00pm. The funeral will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville, Minnesota, Tuesday January 19, 2010 at 2:00pm. There will be a celebration of Brandon's life at his favorite establishment, Tilly's Tavern in Oronoco, Minnesota Tuesday evening after 6:00pm. There will also be a memorial Friday January 23, 2010 after 6:00pm at Northwest Billiards, 18700 Old Lagrane Road, Mokena, IL.

"God is great, Beer is good and People are crazy" (Billy Currington)