Betty Lou Brenegan

Betty Lou Brenegan, 87, of La Crosse, Wisconsin passed away on October 30, 2016,
after courageously fighting a brief illness.

Betty was the last of four children born to Syndney and Ida Omega Jefson on February 4,
1929, in Westby, Wisconsin. She spent her childhood in Westby before moving to
La Crosse where she met and married the love of her life, Allen Brenegan. Together they
shared 40 years of marriage until his unexpected and sudden passing in 1985.
Betty was a devoted and loving wife and mother who took great pride in raising their 3
children. She was actively involved in their young lives serving as Cub Scout Den Mother
and Brownie Scout leader and always attending their music and sporting events and recitals.
She and her family enjoyed many long summers boating on the Mississippi and weekend
trips to Hatfield and the Dells. Her home and heart were always open to entertaining family
and friends and sharing special time together.

In later years she worked for various local businesses but her work at Monet Floral was
definitely her favorite. She most enjoyed working with customers and helping with their
many events. She had deep fondness for those she worked with. Her friendship with
them continued long after she retired. She was extremely committed and proud to serve
the La Crosse Elks Club and to support her husband Al during his term as Exalted Ruler.
One of her favorite memories and highlight was her first trip to Hawaii for the annual Elks
convention. She especially loved helping to arrange the annual Elks Club Christmas Party
for challenged children and their smiles brought her much joy.
Betty and her husband enjoyed their driving trips to Florida and to visit their families and she
continued to do so after his passing. With excitement and determination she attended each
of her 7 grandchildren’s weddings in Illinois, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Aspen and 4
months ago in Seattle. It never occurred to her, nor them, that she wouldn’t make it for their
special day. Throughout all of Betty and Al’s adventures together, their focus was always
on their family. Betty encouraged her family to work hard, see the world and always put
family first.

Betty is survived by her 3 children and their spouses; Michael (Gail) Apple Valley, MN,
Steven (Diane) Godfrey, IL and Debra (Robert) Sieger Madison WI. She is also survived
by 7 loving grandchildren; Tori (Brenegan) Bunse, Heather (Brenegan) (David) Corbitt ,
Anngela (Sieger) (Roland) Strick, Erik (Heidi) Brenegan, Danielle (Sieger) (Michael)
Erikson, Michelle (Brenegan) (Matt) Roy and Robb (Sarah) Sieger. She is further survived
by her much loved great grandchildren; Teryn & Nicholas Brenegan, Claire Bunse, Jamie &
William Brenegan, Kaenon & Nixon Strick and Shelby & Brooks Erikson and 1 great great
grandson Carter Brenegan. Her special family includes nieces Kathy(Wayne) Bakken &
Kris(Jeff) Erickson & nephew Fred Jefson. Betty is preceeded in death by her husband
Allen Brenegan, brothers Drexel (Rachel) and John Jefson and sister Avonelle
(George)Strauss. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Betty’s “angel”
here on earth, Jeannie Mooney Gordon for her constant loving care and endless love for
our Mom. Our thanks to Gundersen Medical Care providers, especially to Dr. Alcee
Jumonville, Cindy Veith and Marsha Kendall. We are eternally grateful to you. Betty will
be greatly missed by her family all who knew and loved her.
Visitation and funeral will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 612 Division St., La Crosse, Wisconsin on
November 4, 2016. Visitation at 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm. Funeral service at 1:00 pm with
Pastor Joanne Richmond of Our Savior’s officiating.

The Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.