Brenda Jean Berndt, age 53, of LaCrosse, died on Monday, January 23, 2017 in her home surrounded by family after a long hard stuggle with cancer.

Brenda was born on May 24, 1963 in Black River Falls to Ellsworth and Carol (Olson) Benedict. She graduated from the Taylor High School and attended the Winona Technical School of Nursing. Brenda earned her degree in nursing and was employed at the Hillview Nursing Home in LaCrosse as a Scheduling Supervisor.

Brenda married David Berndt and together they had a daughter, Jessica. Brenda and David later divorced.

Brenda was an avid fan of the Wisconsin Badgers, the Green Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers.

Brenda is survived by her fiancé, Steve Wineski, who were together for 23 years; a daughter, Jessica Berndt; her mother, Carol Benedict; a sister, Sheila (Marv) Matejka; three brothers, Greg Benedict, Scott (Chris) Benedict and Rick (Lois) Benedict; two nieces, Megan (Dave) Palecek and their children, Keira and Hazel, and Heather Gautsch; six nephews, Todd (Lisa) Matejka and their children, Isabella, Dailey, Ava and Taylor, Travis (Molly) Matejka and their children, Ellie, Nick and Eden, Tim (Kara) Matejka and their children, Luke, Rawley, Tajse and Lauren, Andy (Hilary) Benedict and their children, Cash and Easton, Andy (Justina) Gautsch and Jon Keller and his children, Dylan, Alex and Tyler; an aunt, Ila Benedict.

Brenda was preceded in death by her father and several aunts and uncles.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, January 27, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in the Taylor Lutheran Church in Taylor with Pastor Benjamin Ahles-Iverson officiating. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery in rural Taylor.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 26, 2017 from 4-7 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home in Blair and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

A gathering for friends will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. at Track II in LaCrosse.

The Jack Funeral Home in Blair is assisting the family with arrangements.