Brenda Lee Quinnell, age 58, of Friendship, Wisconsin passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, August 29, 2018, at Meriter Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 7, 2018, at the Arkdale Trinity Lutheran Church in Arkdale, Wisconsin. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at Roseberry’s Funeral Home, with an Eastern Star Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the church, where Pastor Terri Skildum will officiate. Interment will be at the South Arkdale Cemetery immediately following the service.
Brenda was born September 16, 1959, in Adams County, Wisconsin to Raymond and Frances (Moravec) Roberts. She was the third of four children and lived her entire life in the Adams-Friendship area.
Graduating from Adams-Friendship High School in 1978, Brenda later returned to school earning an Associate Degree from Midstate Technical College.
She married Jeff Rhinehart on September 26, 1981, and they were blessed with 2 children, Chad and Heather. Following divorce, Brenda married Robert D. Quinnell on February 17, 2012, in Orlando, Florida. This union was blessed with their daughter Abigail.
Brenda began her work career at Roche-A-Cri Clinic as a medical assistant, working there for 11 years. She left the clinic to focus on raising her family and to manage the bookkeeping of the company started by her and her first husband. The next career move led Brenda into becoming an independent Safety Consultant specializing in loss control, working for solid waste and highway departments throughout Wisconsin. This business relationship ultimately lead to her employment with Adams County and her role of Director of Adams County Solid Waste.
Most important to Brenda was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and family, as together they enjoyed camping, traveling, bowling, golfing, dart league, the Sand County Players and Friday night fish frys. Her passion for helping our community and its youth was demonstrated with her election to the Adams-Friendship School Board in 2006, while also holding seats as a Board member of Midstate Technical College and an officer of the Roch-A-Cri PTA.
She also carried deep convictions to her faith, and in being an influential steward of our environment. Brenda was a member of Arkdale Trinity Lutheran Church, the Kilbourn Chapter 120 Order of the Eastern Star, and was acting Secretary of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA).
The nickname “Spark Plug”, given to Brenda by her father, came to stand for many things. A less than tall stature that’s full of energy and fight, allowing her to beat stage four cancer twenty-three years ago, and live each subsequent day to the fullest. An integral component to which so many of us depended on to function. A warm and caring smile that would ignite others. And, someone completely giving of herself, consistently spending her energy in service to others, while putting their needs ahead of her own.
Brenda was preceded in death by her grandparents, Raymond & Grace Roberts; Frank & Eleanor Moravec; father, Raymond “Sonny”; father in law, Dale Quinnell; brother- in- law, Paul Macewicz, and dear friend, Julie Smedbron.
Survivors:
Husband: Robert Quinnell
Son: Chad Rhinehart
Daughter: Heather Rhinehart
Daughter: Abigail Quinnell
Daughter at heart: Erin (Andy) Christensen
Mother: Fran (Marshall) Coon
Sister: Kathie (Jerry) Dye
Sister: Nancy (Claude Hiller) Macewicz
Brother: Raymond “Butch” (Lori) Roberts
Grandchildren: Avery & Ellie Christensen
Goddaughters: Jenny Henson and Amy Pennings
Mother-in-law: Edith Quinnell
Sister-in-law: Kay (Charlie Robinson) Premo
Brother-in-law: Dennis (Jodi) Quinnell
Brother-in-law: Glenn (Peggy) Quinnell
Brother-in-law: Larry (Donita) Quinnell
Brother-in-law: Donald (Sue) Quinnell
further survived by many: nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends
In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Brenda Quinnell A-F Scholarship Memorial Fund.
Robert my heart aches for you & your family. I am just stunned…. will keep you all in our prayers!
Bob, we are sorry for your loss.
Quinell, Rhinehart, Roberts families. So sorry for you loss. Brenda was such a fun, caring person. Still remember her hula hooping at the class reunion earlier this summer. Life is so short. Hard to believe she’s gone. May the happy memories help you through these tough times. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Robert, Abby, Heather, Chad & family. Our deepest sympathy goes out to each of you. The Lord has gained an angel who will always look down upon us & be with you forever.
Donny, Cindy & Hayden D’Anza
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Challoner family.
Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Sorry for your loss! Brenda will be deeply missed. I remember her always being helpful to me when we were in “Rainbow Girls.” She was a mentor of mine in the organization. She is in a better place and will be an “Angel” looking out for all of us down here. Remember the good times, they will help get you through this difficult time. I will keep you all in my prayers!
We are sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing and want to send our sympathy and prayers to Robert and the entire family at this sad time.
Our deepest sympathy to all of Brenda’s family and friends. Prayers to comfort you all . Dennis and Judy Allen
To Brenda’s Family, Am so sorry for your loss. Praying for God’s love & His Comfort.
So very sad to hear of Brenda’s passing. She was a brave and courageous fighter, facing her health issues head on and always with a smile it seems. Very few people can stay so positive in the face of that much adversity. May your faith and all those wonderful memories of her sustain you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
To Brenda’s family and friends, We can see by all these posts and wonderful words we all agree that Brenda was one in a million. She will be missed and morned by many. For all those that knew her hold each other close and share your memories. Always remember to smile because whenever I saw Brenda she had a smile on her face and would always say “Hi”. She was passionate about everything she did and most of all loved her family friends. Loosing a loved one is never easy so let the good Lord above give you comfort during this difficult time.
Thoughts and prayers are with all during this all and the weeks to come. May God take your hand a guide you and help you find comfort. Hugs to all.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Robert and Brenda’s family!
I am so sorry for your loss. Brenda was always a kind and loving person. She will be deeply missed. Sending prayers to all of you
so sorry for your loss she was a wonderful person who really cared about people she will be missed all our prayers go out to her family
Brenda and I were just getting to know each other as our work days intersected: We were both in the solid waste biz. I found her responsive, engaged, and passionate about her job, and (of course) respectful and upbeat. She was as optimist and it was fun to see her! I am truly saddened by her passing and wish her family and others that knew her my sympathy.
Eric Syftestad
You all have my deepest sympathy. Brenda was an amazing, loving , open hearted and Non-judgemental woman, she was an amazing boss and my heart goes out to you all at this time. You are all in my heart and prayers. May God Bless You!
Robert and family,
We send our deepest sympathy and condolences on the loss of your beloved Brenda.
Sincerely,
Mike and Lynn Jurgensen
Robert and family members. Sorry for your loss.
Our heartfelt condolences to the family. Brenda will be missed by many.
So very sincerely sorry for your loss to all…forever alive within the hearts of so many who loved her…blessings & hugs to you all
To Robert, Abby, Heather, Chad & Families………….My sincere sympathy for the passing of your dear Brenda, she was an asset to the Community. May God Bless all of you at this very sad time
So sorry for you loss. Brenda will be missed by all that she had touched in the Solid Waste Industry. On behalf of the Winnebago Solid Waste Board you have our sympathy. RIP Brenda.
Very very sad day!!! Brenda is an inspiration to many!! She was always a positive light in my struggle with cancer. I am very sad and many thoughts and prayers sent to all of her family.
So sorry for your loss Chad
Brenda was an amazing woman. May God be with you during this time. Brenda was special to all she touched. Julie has her in her arms.
Rest in peace my friend. You will be truly missed but always in our hearts. Love you Brenda (Barbara)
The world of solid waste and recycling has lost a great friend and colleague. Brenda was absolutely dedicated to being the best at all that she did. I will miss her quirky laugh and somewhat cynical comments about stupid DNR regulations and interpretations that just didn’t make sense. She held the Solid Waste Association of North America-Badger Chapter together for years and years and years. I will truly miss her. My deep and sincere sympathies to Brenda’s family.
It’s difficult to lose someone who was loved so much and gave so much. I will miss her. Sympathy to the entire family
The community has lost a wonderful person. We enjoyed her friendship and will miss seeing her.
Our thoughts and prayers to all of Brenda’s family So sorry for your loss
To Robert and all Family Members. We send you our sincere sympathy for the passing of Brenda. She had a beautiful smile and gave so much to the community. She will be deeply missed by all. Continued prayers to family members, along with the wonderful memories to keep with you always. She is now lifted up on Eagles Wings. God Bless.
Robert, Chad, Heather, Abby and families. We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved Wife, Mother, Sister and Daughter. She was one of my best friends and confidants. I will miss her. Words can not express how her loss has affected so many. RIP my friend.
May God be with you during this difficult time. So sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing.
To Robert & Family so sorry for the passing of Brenda. Thoughts & Prayer’s too all of your Family. God Bless.Dtm.
I only talked with Brenda once, when she befriended us as we came from Nekoosa to cheer Adams on in their boys’ basketball playoff game in Waunakee. But my son is friends with Abby and I wanted to express our family’s sincere condolences to you all. This made me very sad to see. Such a young and vibrant life lost too soon. Our prayers for you all.
Sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your family’s loss
Our thoughts & prayers are with Brenda’s family at this sad time.
Sorry for your loss.. Brenda was a sweet lady she will be missed.. send prayers
Our sincere condolences to Brenda’s family & countless friends.
Having grown up together in the same neighborhood in Friendship, I was privileged to have been a childhood family friend and can truly say that we are all better for having had Brenda & her wonderful family in our lives. To me, Brenda will always be Butch’s sweet & really cool big sister who always tolerated our typical teenage antics with a smile. Love & God bless.
So sorry. Fran, Robert and the kids.She gave so much with more to give and left too soon.
Dear Robert, Abby, Heather, Chad and family. Please know you are in our hearts and thoughts. Brenda did so much for this community. She cared so much for the children of AF. She will be sorely missed. So very sorry for your loss.
Our sincere sympathy is extended to Brenda’s family.
Matt, Kate, Marc and I send our deepest condolences to your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers
So sorry for your loss.
One of my favorite memories is when we were little and Brenda and I stayed over night at my cousin Sandy’s. All three of us slept in the top bunk of the bunk bed. No one wanted to get up to shut the light off. We took a hanger and stretched it out. We must of spent an hour trying to shut off the switch. It would of been so much easier to just get up and shut the light off. But then it would of never stuck in my memory. Rest in peace my friend
To the Roberts and Quinell families, so sorry for your loss. RIP Brenda
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Brenda always had a smile on her face and a kind word, may all the precious memories comfort you during this difficult time.
Edith, Robert and Abby Fran and everyone who loved Brenda we send our love.
So sorry for your loss!
Sorry for your loss
Robert and family – Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Lean on your family and friends at a time like this for comfort.
I’m so very sorry that you have the loss of Brenda—-your wife, mother, sister, granddaughter, Aunt, friend, etc. I had the great privaledge of being her friend, classmate and campground host. Every time I seen her at the family gatherings at the park, Brenda would always wave and smile at me. Also all of her compliments of the flowers. Brenda, a great all around person, will always be remembered, loved and missed.❤
Our deepest sympathies to the family.
I am so sorry to hear of Brenda passing, my heart goes out to you and the children. i will always remember her smile and the way her eyes danced. Prayers to all.
So sorry for your loss always remember the good times and I know there were many.
Brenda; You we’re far to young to go. We have seen this in our closest friends, and I think back to all those crazy days with the girls.
To Brenda’s Family you are in our thoughts. Brenda, You have moved on to a place of peace but never forget you were a big part of my life. The memories will never go away. R.I.P.
To Brenda’s Family,
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of this wonderful woman. She always had a smile on her face, her happiness was always evident for everyone to see. She will be deeply missed by the entire A-F community. Keep your memories close to help you during this difficult time.
Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time sent to Brenda’s entire family. RIP Brenda.
Our sincerest sympathy. Brenda was a good, positive role model for many. Remember the good times. May God give you peace in your sorrow. Love & prayers.
Robert & family…..Words cannot express our feelings at times like these. Our thoughts & Prayers are with you all. May God Bless! ❤️?
My thoughts and prayers are with the Quinnell family. I know Brenda has moved on to a better place!
Brenda was a true friend and a great person, it’s hard to lose a person who shared her love and kindness with everyone she met. Our sorrows and prays go out to her family
My sincere condolences to all of Brenda’s family. I pray God will comfort you and keep you at peace during these season of life.
I am so sorry. I remember Brenda as a bright spot of energy and enthusiasm. She had such pride and love in her daughter. She will be missed by many I am sure. I send warm hopes for your peace .
It is with great sadness, that I extend my condolences to Robert, kids, and entire family for your loss. Brenda was an incredible individual,who I had the pleasure of calling my friend. She has served in many roles in her time too short with all of us, and has done so with dignity and grace. To me she was friend, confidant, role model, and inspiration to do what is good and right for all involved. She was a true leader, whose sense of family, and community was 2nd to none. Her passion for any cause was evident as she always wore her heart on her sleeve. I hope you all can find some comfort in knowing what you already know, Brenda was an amazing person who left a lasting impact on everyone’s life she touched. We will miss her dearly. RIP
May God hold you close. I always enjoyed talking to Brenda. She was always so kind and caring. My prayers are with all of you at this time of great sorrow.
Sending prayers of comfort and condolence over the loss of such a beautiful lady. Every time I saw her she was smiling and kind. She will be greatly missed!
To the Roberts and Quinnell Families,
I am so sorry for your loss. Brenda and I went to high school together. She was a very out going girl that was friends with everyone. My heart goes out to her families. She truly will be missed. Thoughts and prayers.
Robert and kids, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God be with you.
The life and breath that Brenda put into our lives and community will be felt for many years to come. I still can’t believe she is gone. Her devotion and dedication to our kids was incredible and she will always be an inspiration to me. Abby, Chad, Heather, Robert… You have such a rough road ahead because of the void you will find, but I hope that will inspire you all to be the pillar that she’s been to everyone who knew her. Sincere sorrow, love, hugs and healing will be sent to you for a long time to come.
Brenda was such a joy to work with. Our prayers and thoughts go out to her family.
Prayers for the family. Brenda will be missed by all who knew her. She was a sweet person….
So sorry to hear of Brenda passing away.She was a wonderful lady. Had a good heart. She will be sadly missed. The lord in heaven will take good care of her. He took all her pain away. Now shes free on pain .Shes shining down on your family. You will have all her memories to hold on too forever.
Robert and family our sincere condolences to tour family may u find peace threw beautiful memories of Brenda
I’m so sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing.
Robert, Abby, Heather, Chad, and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Brenda was a wonderful person and an asset to our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in the months ahead. Brenda was so kind to me when my mom passed away and I will never forget that.
Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers! Brenda was a wonderful person an will be greatly missed
My deepest sympathy to all of you!! She was such a great person!! Brenda will be missed by many people!!,
Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire family. May God give you the peace that you seek… ?
Heather and Family,
Brenda was an amazing woman and there are simply no words to express how deep my condolences are for you all. My thoughts are with you all in the days, weeks and months to come.
I am so sorry to hear this. You all have my deepest sympathies. May God bless you all.
You always gave me confidence in sports with Abby. Although you and I both knew I was usually the least talented person on the court or in the field you never failed to raise me up and cheer me on. You’ve always been the highlight of every softball tournament and you’ve always been so caring and loving to everyone around you. Thank you for being such a beautiful and positive influence to everyone you’ve ever met. You’re truly loved and missed. May you rest in peace.
We are truly sorry. Our sympathy is extended to the whole family.
The loss of Brenda will impact our community for a long time. She was a wonderful person and a good friend. Our deepest sympathy to her family.
So sorry for your loss! Brenda was a good friend and classmate!prayers for your family!?
My dear child hood friend. I will never forget all the little birthday parties, sleepovers, playing at the school and all the laughter we had growing up. Rest in peace sweet angel.
Our deepest sympathies to all of you during this difficult time. I will miss her smiling face. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
We are so sorry for your family’s loss. She was a wonderful person who cared for others. She worked hard for the children in our school district and she will be missed.
We are so sorry for your family’s loss. She was a wonderful person who cared for others. She worked hard for the children in our school district and she will be missed.
So very sorry for your loss. Brenda’s sweet smile and wonderful spirit will always be remembered.
Our Thoughts and Prayers to you. She will be deeply missed.
So sorry for your loss. She was a awesome person and classmate. Our deepest condolences. She will missed dearly.
We at Ayres Associates continue to uphold the family with our thoughts and prayers.
I wish the family Peace through these dark hours. “The Peace that passes all understanding through Christ Jesus”.
My deepest sympathy to every member of Brenda’s family. She was a great woman with whom I still call one of my greatest friends. She was one of the first people I met when coming to Wisconsin. Bless you all.
I am sorry for your family’s loss. Brenda was a wonderful person who loved everything A-F. She will be missed!!
Ray and I are sending our prayers, so sorry for your loss.
Robert and Kids, our hearts go out to all of you, Prayers and hugs!
To all the family, During this very difficult time may all the friendships, sympathy and heartfelt condolences from so many help you by bring you comfort. Peace and love sent to you.
Robert and family,
May the love of family and friends wrap their arms around you and give you comfort and peace at this time. Sending you all my thoughts and prayers.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers during this extremely rough time. She will be missed by many and there will be a huge hole in our community.
My thoughts are with you all.
We are very sorry to hear about your families loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of Brenda’s family during this rough time!
Fran and family so sorry to hear about Brenda you all are in are thoughts and prayers
I’am so sorry for your loss..Brenda was a beautiful person.May she rest in peace.
So sorry to hear about your loss your in our thoughts and prayers
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to the family.
To the family…our heartfelt sympathy to Robert and the family. May she rest in peace and the family find comfort knowing she is with God.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time!
Brenda was such an important part of our community. Always giving of her time and resources. I still remember how she welcomed me when I first began teaching and became my friend. She will be missed by so many. My condolences to her family.
To Brenda’s family, it seems that God calls the best angels home way too soon. Brenda will be remembered and cherished dearly by our whole neighborhood. We will never forget all the happiness and sunshine she brought to each of our young lives and how she treasured us as her friends and neighbors her whole life. We will miss her forever and remember her kindness always.
Words can’t express my deepest sympathy on your lost. Hold each other close share your memories. Heaven recieved a Angel in Brenda. RIP Brenda
So very sorry Robert, Chad, Heather Abbey you all have our families deepest Sympathy…. Fred, Debbie, Hunter, and Ryan Renner
To all of Brenda’s family, we are truly sorry for your loss. I loved her passion for our school district and that showed during board meetings and out in public. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
We are so sorry for your loss. Peace to you all.
A bright light in our world gone way too soon.Prayer and thoughts to all of Brenda’s family and friends.
Our heartfelt sympathy. May you find comfort in your memories.
I am so sorry for your loss. Brenda was a wonderful person and will be missed by many.. Know my thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. I have experienced this and it takes some time. There are no words that are enough. All take care and keep the good memories. Patty
All of you are in our prayers. We know there are really no words to take away your pain. May God be with you.
To all of Brenda’s Family. To each one of you I pray the Lord gives you comfort while you grieve your loss of your, Wife, Mother, Daughter, sister, and children
Take the wonderful memories and keep them in your heart to cherish.