Brenda Lee Thoennes, age 58, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded with the love of her family, early Monday morning, July 27, 2026 following a brave battle with brain cancer.

Brenda was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 10, 1968. She attended William Horlick High School and graduated from Gateway Technical College with an Associate's Degree in  Accounting. Brenda was employed by Dynaseal / Altus Vinyl, LLC for 29 years before accepting an accounts receivable position at Putzmeister America, Inc. in November of 2020.  She enjoyed her work and cherished the relationships she formed with her coworkers.

On September 24, 2005 in Trinity Lutheran Church, Brenda was united in marriage with Joseph J. Thoennes. Warm sunshine, gardening, boating, reading and music were some of her favorite things. For many years, Brenda greatly enjoyed watching and traveling to various sporting events for Jenna and Lindsey.  This past May, Brenda was able to see both girls graduate from their respective colleges and it was one of her proudest moments.  Above everything else, being together with her entire family is what Brenda loved most.

Surviving are her loving husband of over 20 years, Joe; daughters, Jenna Thoennes and Lindsey Thoennes; father, Robert Kodrich; brothers, Robert, Barton and Brian (Tracey) Kodrich; sister, Nicole (Joe) Bryant; sisters-in-law, Kris Hach and Ashley Gustin; nieces, nephews, other relatives, co-workers & friends – too numerous to mention all by name.

Brenda was preceded in death by her mom, Judith (nee: Rubner) Kodrich-Shadoan; sisters, Peggy Sue Rubner and Sarah Bujanowski; mother-in-law, Janet Gergen; and brother-in-law, David Gergen.

Services celebrating Brenda's life will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at 2:00 pm in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Pastor David Gehne officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday from 12:00 – 2:00 pm. Private interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery – Hwy 32 on Monday.

In addition to flowers, memorials can be made to "Strain for the Brain" (which is an annual run/walk event that supports brain tumor research under the leadership of Brenda's neurologist, Dr. Jennifer Connelly).  Make plans to join Brenda's team "Brendazzlers" on May 29, 2027. Link is listed above.

A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Jennifer Connelly & team at Froedtert in Milwaukee; sister-in-law, Kris Hach; and all of our friends & family that supported Brenda in her time of need. May God continue to bless all of you!

Service Details

Services celebrating Brenda's life will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at 2:00 pm in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Pastor David Gehne officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday from 12:00 – 2:00 pm. Private interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery – Hwy 32 on Monday.

You may watch the recording of the service by selecting the link below:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/mhfwp3popncshw41e3aej/Brenda-Lee-Thoennes.mp4?rlkey=u08s0cikn1lxkqqk3y7lc82vk&st=pc2ezfgo&dl=0

Memorial Suggestions

In addition to flowers, memorials can be made to "Strain for the Brain" (which is an annual run/walk event that supports brain tumor research under the leadership of Brenda's neurologist, Dr. Jennifer Connelly).

Make plans to join Brenda's team "Brendazzlers" on May 29, 2027: Link: runsignup.com