Betty Ann Brenner, age 89, of Ellsworth, Wis. passed away at her home on Sept. 26, 2026.
Betty Ann Brenner was born on April 2, 1937, to Robert and Dorothy Seifert. An only child, Betty was raised on her family’s farm in Ellsworth, Wis., where she learned from an early age the importance of hard work, responsibility, and caring for those around her. She attended high school in Ellsworth, where she formed friendships that would remain an important part of her life for many years to come.
On Sept. 10, 1957, Betty married James Brenner, and together they began building a life centered around faith and family. Betty and James were blessed with six children within nine years, beginning a lifetime filled with the joys and adventures of raising their family. Her husband, children, and home quickly became the center of Betty’s world. She was a devoted mother who knew how to keep her children in line while making certain they always knew how deeply they were loved and cared for.
The lessons Betty learned growing up on the farm stayed with her throughout her life. Hard work was simply a part of who she was, and it was a value she worked hard to pass along to her children. Faith was equally important to Betty and remained a steady foundation for her and her family throughout the years.
In her younger days, Betty loved roller skating and dancing. She treasured her friendships and remained close with many of the friends she made during her high school years. Whether it was a friend or a member of her family, Betty gave generously of herself and was always willing to be there when someone needed her.
Some of Betty’s greatest memories were made simply by having her family together. The Brenner family enjoyed camping trips and gathered many times throughout the year for family celebrations and events. Those early camping adventures sometimes meant finding a way to fit all eight members of the family into one tent, creating memories and stories that would be shared for years afterward.
As the years went on and her family continued to grow, Betty took tremendous pride in being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved knowing what was happening in the lives of her children and grandchildren and was always there for them, never missing a beat.
In her later years, Betty enjoyed playing cards, especially euchre and gin, and treasured the opportunities those games provided to spend time with others. More than anything, however, Betty remained happiest when surrounded by the people she loved.
Betty is survived by her children: Dan (Julia) Brenner, Dave (Sherri) Brenner, Craig Brenner, Roger (Corina) Brenner and Paul (Cheryl) Brenner; grandchildren: Janelle (Jason) Lacy, Kevin (Alysha) Brenner, Aric (Julia) Brenner, DJ Brenner, Ryan (Brittney) Brenner, Shaun (Sam) Brenner, Jeff (Sydney) Brenner, Michelle (Chris) Sele, Dylan (Lexi) Brenner, Kylie Lytle, Michael (Allison) Lytle, Kayla (Ben) Brotka, Michael Brenner, Mitchel Brenner, Nathan (Maggie) Brenner, Rachael (Jake) Andreen and Cole Brenner; 28 great grandchildren and one on the way to make 29; and many other family members and good friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James Brenner; daughter, Laurie Lytle; parents, Robert and Dorothy Seifert; and grandson, Justin Krear.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Betty was held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Ellsworth, with a visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. A luncheon followed the funeral service in the parish hall. A public burial took place at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Ellsworth, Wis.
Arrangements are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-273-4421.
