In the quietude of Rice Lake, Wisconsin, a vibrant soul bid farewell to the world. Brenda Leigh Schleiss, aged 59, passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. Her life, a tapestry of love, creativity, and an unwavering devotion to her family, is a legacy that will endure in the hearts of those who had the privilege of sharing in her journey.
Born on May 23, 1964, in the heart of Rice Lake, Brenda was the daughter of Walter and Betty Thompson. Her early years were shaped by the simple joys of growing up in the community, and she attended Boyceville and Rice Lake High School, where the foundations of her journey were laid.
In the intricate dance of life, Brenda found love and companionship with Jerome Schleiss, to whom she was married and later divorced. Though life took her on varied professional paths, her most cherished and fulfilling role was that of a mother. Brenda’s world revolved around her four children Gary Schleiss, Clarissa Schleiss (Travis Livingston), Breanna Schleiss, and Tanna Bender (Brett Yuhas). To her, being a mother was not just a role; it was a calling that brought immeasurable joy and purpose. Eight grandchildren Mercedez, Dominick, Divina, Leo, Gavin, Kozzet, Vinny, and Zander became the suns around which Brenda’s universe orbited.
A Creative Spirit Unleashed
Beyond her roles as a mother and grandmother, Brenda was a creative spirit, finding joy in artistic expressions. Drawing, painting, crafting these were not mere hobbies but gateways to her inner world. The strokes of her brush and the lines on her canvas were reflections of her vibrant spirit, leaving behind a visual narrative of a life well-lived. In her creative pursuits, Brenda found a sanctuary a place where she could translate the beauty of her emotions onto a tangible canvas. Her creativity manifested not only in the art she created but also in the love and warmth she infused into the lives of those around her.
The Simple Pleasures: Agates and Memorabilia
Brenda’s appreciation for the simple pleasures in life extended to collecting agates and memorabilia. Each piece held a story, a memory, or a sentiment that added to the mosaic of her life. Whether it was the smooth touch of an agate or the nostalgic charm of a cherished memento, Brenda found joy in the tangible markers of time and experience. As Brenda’s health journey led her towards the quietude of her final moments, she was enveloped in the love of her family. The bonds forged through laughter, shared stories, and the unspoken language of familial connection became a source of strength during her transition.
On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 11 AM, Trinity Lutheran Church in Rice Lake will be filled with the echoes of remembrance as family and friends gather to celebrate Brenda’s life. Jane Snowden will officiate the funeral service, offering a space for reflection, shared memories, and a collective farewell. Visitation will precede the funeral service, providing an opportunity for the community to come together and support one another during this poignant moment of remembrance.
In a departure from traditional expressions of sympathy, Brenda’s family kindly requests that memorials be considered in lieu of flowers. These memorials, a testament to Brenda’s enduring legacy, will contribute to honoring her memory and supporting the family during this time of loss. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI, stands as a compassionate ally to the Schleiss family, assisting and serving them with the arrangements for Brenda’s farewell. In these moments of grief, the presence of a supportive community and a dedicated funeral home is a source of comfort.
As Brenda Leigh Schleiss finds her final resting place, the community of Rice Lake comes together not just to say goodbye but to celebrate a life well-lived. Brenda’s journey, marked by love, creativity, and family, leaves behind an enduring legacy an indelible imprint on the hearts of those who will carry her memory forward. May the echoes of Brenda’s laughter and the warmth of her love resonate eternally in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
