BRENNER, James J., age 98

Died: Tuesday, February 25th, 2025

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at St. Olaf Catholic Church with Father James Kurzynski officiating 

Visitation: one hour prior to Mass at church

Military Honors will be provided by American Legion Post 53 following Mass

Interment: James will be interred alongside his wife, Jane, at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, New Mexico at a later date

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Olaf Catholic Church  www.saintolafparish.org

James J. Brenner, age 98, of Altoona, passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Prairie Pointe Assisted Living in Altoona, Wisconsin.  

James was born November 7, 1926, in Mondovi, Wisconsin to the late Peter and Susan (McGinley) Brenner. He attended Mondovi High School and in 1957 he married the love of his life, Jane LaBerge, at St. Olaf Catholic Church in Eau Claire. 

James proudly served two stints in the U.S. Army, including one in occupied Germany. For over 60 years he was a member of American Legion Post 53 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and is a Past Commander. He was a charter member of St. Olaf parish in Eau Claire. James had a passion for automobiles and enjoyed complex repairs and rebuilding. He leaves behind numerous beloved family and friends, many of whom were able to visit him when he returned to Wisconsin. 

James is survived by his children, Charles (Theresa) Brenner of Savage, Minnesota, Paul (Nancy) Brenner of Eau Claire, Peter (Renee) Brenner of Temecula, California, Mary (David) Emmerling of Glastonbury, Connecticut and Francis (Erin) Brenner of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Carolyn (Ben) Brosch of Bowie, Maryland, Raeann Brenner of Dallas, Texas, James Brenner of Eau Claire, and Hannah, Morgan and Courtney Brenner of Houston; great-granddaughter, Melanie Brosch; sister, Ann Brenner of Mondovi; sister-in-law, Joyce (Lyle) Krumenauer of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

James was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Jane (2002); son, Patrick Brenner (2012); sister, Helen Paul (2006); brother, John "Pete" Brenner (2023) and brother-in-law, Joseph LaBerge (1991).   

The family would like to thank the staff of Prairie Pointe Assisted Living and St. Croix Hospice for providing the highest level of care, friendship and comfort to James.