History of Gay and Lesbian Life in Milwaukee, Wisconsin - People - Bios

 
Catherine 'June' Brehm

Born:
Died:

June 8, 1917
January 3, 2010
Primary Involvements:

 
Bar owner

 

 

 

       
 

Catherine 'June' Brehm was the owner of This Is It bar for over 40 years. She opened the bar in 1968 as a gay bar, and owned it until her death, letting her son Joe manage its daily operations, although she kept close control.

She was the wife of the late Joseph T. Brehm Sr., mother of Joseph Jr. (Karen) Brehm and Jacqueline (Bronson) Haase.

Although June kept a close hand on things, Joe had the latitude to be make the bar very generous to the gay and lesbian community. Joe and This Is It! were often the first in line to support community causes, hosting fundraising events for the Cream City Foundation, AIDS, and other worthy causes.

After her death, private family services were held with burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Waukesha.

The future of This Is It! bar was uncertain at the time of her death.

 


MKE OnLine article about This Is It bar, 2006

Credits: initial page creation by Don Schwamb;
Last updated: January-2010.