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.