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Brenda Mathison

05/23/1961 - 04/23/2024
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Brenda Mathison went to join her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, with her family by her side after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma, just one month shy of her 63rd birthday.

Brenda was born on May 23, 1961, to Dixon and Kathy Jacobson where she grew up on the family farm in the Town of Winneconne and developed a great love for animals. Animals and pets would always remain a big part of her life and she took great care of her own as well as for friends and family. 

In 1979 she graduated from Winneconne High School. After graduation, she moved to Miami, Florida and naturally took a position as a veterinarian’s assistant. She later took a position at Poole & Kent for the remainder of her time in Florida.  After moving back to Wisconsin, she had a brief time working for Wisconsin Tissue Mills before landing her job at Neenah Police Department.  For 23 years, she was an administrative professional working closely with all functions within the police force. Here she developed both professional and deep personal relationships with staff and shared her faith based, strength and encouragement to others in need.  After her retirement in 2020, she still maintained deep relationships with those who came to know her.

Upon returning to Wisconsin Brenda found the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. On July 13, 1997, she married her true love, Don Mathison. They built a life together and Don completed the family by becoming  “Dad” to Brenda’s children, active and supportive in all aspects of their lives. They developed great family memories in the 27 years they shared together.

Her love for animals, especially horses, was her passion and where she found joy. Her barn was full of horses, cats, and even uninvited critters such as skunks, racoons, possums, etc. All were welcome in her barn (except the possums). Her dogs held a special place in her life and stayed by her side throughout the most difficult times.

Brenda enjoyed photography and would often take professional quality pictures for family and friends. She also enjoyed hunting, but her shots were fired from her camera and not with her bow. Other interests included long walks, kayaking, traveling, gardening, motorcylcle rides, and spoiling her grandchildren.

Her greatest inspiration came from studying the word of God. She read her Bible and devotions daily and shared the Gospel with those around her. She enjoyed teaching AWANA bible study for kids and being active in various church related activities. Her faith grew over the years and developed into a great source of strength for the battle she would face. She was involved with various multiple myeloma support groups and Prayer Warriors. Here they shared individual details of their personal battles against this common foe, and strengthened and encouraged each other through prayer.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband, Don Mathison; two daughters, Alyssa (Corey) Jarvis, grandkids Kanah and Lyra; and Mandy Collura (Jake Flett); sister, Bonnie (Dave) Mueller, nephew Jack; brother, Dan (Karen) Jacobson, niece Jillian, nephews Dane and Jason; and many other relatives and friends.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Froedtert Hospital, Nicole and the staff at Compassus Hospice Care, and the staff at Ascension Mercy Hospital.

A visitation for family and friends will be held at Mueller Funeral Home 904 E. Main St. Winneconne on Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Dave Eisley officiating.

In lieu of flowers, there will be memorial set up for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

If you wish, please submit online condolences/memories to muellerfh.net.

John Broderick wrote on May 2, 2024
Don, We're so sorry for your loss. Our condolences, John & Laura

Vaughn & Tami Noffke wrote on May 2, 2024
Don and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Brenda was a kind and loving person. She had such a gentle demeanor. God has her now, her big beautiful smile is looking down on you and your family. She is at peace now, and will always be in your hearts. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Denise Krueger wrote on May 2, 2024
Don and family - I am so sorry. She was such a sweet person. You are all in our prayers.

Cindy Brahan wrote on April 29, 2024
Dearest Don and family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. She sounded like a wonderful lady, and a child of god. She is now at a place of rest and pease. I pray for you and your family to see that she is in a better place even though your heart aches for her. Don you are a great friend and I hope and wish the best for you.

Tracy Jacobson wrote on April 27, 2024
I met Brenda when she began working at Wisconsin Tissue Mills. When we realized we both attended school in Winneconne our conversations became more personal and our friendship began. She left to work for the Neenah Police Department and we lost touch, but living in the same community we did bump into each other on occasion. As we’d catch up Brenda would speak highly of her family; she adored you all so! I’m in disbelief as I read of her passing. May her deep faith in God bring you comfort.

Nancy Marine wrote on April 26, 2024
Don, Alyssa, Mandy,Bonnie to Dan and the rest of the family I am so sorry for your loss. Brenda was a kind caring person. I hope the good memories and time spent together will help to ease your broken hearts.

Beth Jasiak wrote on April 26, 2024
Brenda was a bright light in this world. She was loved by everyone, knew how to make people feel valued, was genuine and truly was a gentle, kind soul. No doubt when she met Jesus face to face, she was welcomed with open arms! Brenda will be so missed. May God bless all of her family and friends with that peace that passes all understanding, peace from above.

Lisa Gander wrote on April 26, 2024
I’ll miss you Brenda!

Pete and Julie Yost wrote on April 26, 2024
We are very saddened to hear of Brenda's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as you mourn her loss, and rejoice in her reunion with God.

William Beck wrote on April 26, 2024
My dearest condolences to you and your family Don, sincerely Bill