Brenda L. Graves

 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord”

-Romans 8: 38-39

Brenda L. Graves, 83, of Wauwatosa, passed away peacefully surrounded by family Sunday evening, July 6, 2025. She was born on November 18, 1941, in Columbus, Nebraska, one of five children to the late Ray and Ruth Woodrick. Brenda is survived by her sisters Bonnie Janssen (Gary) and Mary Honke (Larry), and brother Roger Woodrick (Patsy). Brenda is preceded in death by her sister Reye Jean Timmer (Ed).

Brenda met Charles E. Graves of Harlan, Iowa at Sioux Falls College. Ray was not sure what to make of Charles at first and reminded his daughter that there “were many fish in the sea” … Ray would later grow fond of Charles, and they spent many days fishing together across the Midwest. Brenda and Charles married on the 24^th of August 1963.

Brenda is survived and missed by her loving husband Charles of 61 years, and her three children Mark (Shelley), Scott (Bronwyn) and Julie Lehman (Jeff). Forever cherished and remembered by her seven grandchildren, Patrick, Dominique (Dennis), Anthony (Ashlyn), Blake (Alyssa), Olivia, Jacob, and Lakyn; and one great grandchild, Ford.

Brenda and Charles’ early years of marriage included brief residences in Sioux Falls, Berkley, Dearborn, Berkley, Twin Falls, Salt Lake City and Dayton Oaks. Their parents from the conservative Midwest did not know what to make of Berkley in the 60s and were flabbergasted when Brenda and Charles moved back to Berkley for a second stay. Brenda and Charles eventually planted themselves in Altoona, Iowa, where they lived for 5 years before finally moving to Wauwatosa in 1980.

Before marriage, Brenda graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Sioux Falls College and later obtained her Paralegal degree. She worked at a law office in Des Moines and yet found time to always be there for her children at an early age. Math came easy to Brenda; she naturally excelled at subsequent employment with H&R Block and Arthur Anderson.

Brenda was a sports fanatic! Cheered for the Huskers in the 70s (cried and locked herself in the bathroom when Iowa State beat the Huskers in 1977), jumped for Badgers football, and was the first to read the daily Wisconsin Journal sports page to keep up with the Packers, Bucks and Brewers. But her true joy was rooting for her children and grandchildren at their sporting events. Brenda was quick to offer uplifting support for her grandchildren and cared for the wellbeing of each grandchild.

Family get-togethers for holidays and any occasion delighted Brenda, especially when it included a bowl of mint chocolate ice cream! Her homemade pizza and banana cream pie were family favorites at any gathering.

Brenda was notoriously frugal with herself and graciously generous with others. Brenda and Charles gave magnanimously to their grandchildren and other family members in times of need, as well as to their church community family.

Brenda enjoyed spending time reading and playing her Baldwin piano. She would always have a good novel or her NOOK nearby. Brenda learned to play the piano at an early age and enjoyed playing the organ at Sunday morning services when the organist was traveling. She enjoyed listening to old church hymns. Even in advance stages of dementia, the words would quickly come to her as she would sing along to the gospel hymns. This would bring a smile to all that were near to hear her sing joyful songs of praise to Jesus.

The Celebration of Life service to honor the life of Brenda L. Graves will be held July 25, 2025, at First Baptist Church of West Allis, 1576 South 78th Street, West Allis. Visitation at 2:00 PM and Celebration of Life Service beginning at 3:30 PM. Dinner and fellowship with family will be held after the service there at First Baptist.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to any of the following; Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, or Breast Cancer Information, Support & Donations – National Breast Cancer Foundation, or First Baptist Church of West Allis Youth Camp Program at Camp Tamarack.

Although Brenda’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May her memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth her legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. It is not hard to imagine Brenda playing the piano flawlessly as she worships Jesus up there, her light will forever shine brightly in our hearts. Through the grace of our accepted Savior, we hold to His word that we will see her again.