Obit: Turenne, Brenda (1943 – 2021)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Turenne, Witkus, Luzinski, Lehman, Sandhiyagu

----Source: Cremation Society of Wisconsin (Altoona, Eau Claire Co., WI) 12/18/2021

Turenne, Brenda (8 February 1943 – 8 December 2021)

Brenda Mae Turenne 78, of Thorp, passed away unexpectedly on December 8, 2021, peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Brenda was born on February 28, 1943, in Stanley, to Alex and Victoria (Witkus) Luzinski. She grew-up in the rural Thorp area, where she attended Pineland school and graduated from Thorp High School. She completed her higher studies in Minneapolis MN for Dental Assistant and later at CVTC with an Associate degree in Business Administration. Brenda held many jobs over the years. She worked for Dr. Slota, as a dental assistant, a bookkeeper for Mile-a-Way tavern, managed Turenne construction with her husband, was a Unit Clerk at Clark County Health Care and Rehab Center, and later retired as the ER admissions coordinator at Victory Medical Center.

Brenda was united in marriage on June 2, 1962, to Fred Turenne at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church in Thorp. Brenda and Fred ran Mile-a-way tavern and ballroom from 1961 to 1967. After her last child was born, they sold the tavern so Brenda could be a stay-at-home mom, who she had always said was her dream job. She loved being a mom to her 4 children .

Brenda and Fred enjoyed traveling over the years throughout the United States, overseas and many trips to the casinos. Brenda continued her casino runs, bus trips and card parties with her dear friends over the past few years. She looked forward to weekly gatherings at her home and catching up with her close friends.

The love for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will go on forever. Brenda will be missed by her family and friends, from her many phone calls and endless questions, asking “So what’s new”.

Brenda is survived by her daughter Lisa (Doug) Lehman, Spencer. Her 3 sons Jeff (Karen) Turenne, Thorp, Gregg (Michelle) Turenne, Thorp, Jim (Lisa) Turenne, Merrill, 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, her 2 brothers, Richard Luzinski, Thorp, Jerry Luzinski, South Milwaukee. Along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and so many wonderful friends.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Fred, and her brother David Luzinski. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Thorp Catholic School.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday December 28, 2021, at St Bernard-St Hedwig’s Catholic Church in Thorp. Rev. Baskaran Sandhiyagu will officiate, with a private burial at a later date. Visitation will be held at the church, on Tuesday, from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Honorary pallbearers will be Derrick Lehman, Taylor Turenne, Garrett Turenne, Matt Turenne, Andy Turenne, Alex Turenne, and Bailey Turenne.