Pamela Brander

Pamela J. “Pam” Brander, age 64, of Spring Green passed away on August 15, 2025 at the UW Hospital in Madison. She was born September 3, 1960, the daughter of Otis and Mary Ann (Slaney) Scott. Pam married James Brander on August 6, 1983, and they enjoyed 42 wonderful years together.

Pam grew up on a dairy farm in Richland County, graduating from Richland Center High School in 1978. She attended UW-Richland and UW-Platteville, earning degrees to teach secondary education in history and computer science in 1982. Before focusing on teaching as her chosen profession, she worked at GM in Janesville as a computer programmer. She began her teaching career first at Richland Center schools, before transferring to River Valley, where she worked for 31 years. She loved her students, and continued to be a valuable mentor to many even after her retirement.

Pam enjoyed reading, history, gardening, baking and cooking dinners for others, camping, and traveling. Each fall, she would cut bouquets of fresh flowers from her garden, and she prepared countless jars of fruits, vegetables, jams, and salsa to share with others. She loved taking visitors on a tour of her garden and flower beds, in which she took great pride. Her cinnamon rolls and Christmas cookie trays were unmatched, and she loved delivering them to family and friends, as well as planning elaborate holiday feasts. Camping with family and friends throughout the Midwest and down South, Pam was always packed and ready for any occasion, or to host any guest who stopped by for a meal and a card game. Many fall Saturdays were spent tailgating with friends on Regent Street, and cheering on the Badgers and the Badger Band – whether in Camp Randall Stadium or traveling to bowl games. Most recently, Pam and Jim spent this past April traveling to one of their favorite destinations, visiting England and Wales in the UK.

Survivors include her husband, Jim of Spring Green; daughters, Bethany Brander (Cory Sloan) of Madison, Erin (Dan) Krause of Fitchburg; siblings, Doug Scott of Richland Center, John (Barb) Scott of Galena, IL, Jane Bodeau of Janesville, Bob (Karen) Scott of Arena, Brian (Barb) Scott of Richland Center, in-laws, Glen and Marie Brander of Lone Rock, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Otis and Mary Ann Scott; son, Ian Brander; and infant twin brothers, James and Joseph. She was deeply loved, and will be greatly missed.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at the Christ Lutheran Church in Spring Green with burial in the Spring Green Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025 at the church from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. and again on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at 11:00 A.M.

A memorial scholarship will be established in Pam’s name; in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to help future teachers follow in her footsteps.

Online condolences available at www.staffordfuneralhomes.com The Richardson-Stafford Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.