Brenda Vogeler

Brenda Lee Vogeler, age 62, of DeForest, went to explore the wonders of heaven on January 2, 2026 after an unexpected complication during cancer treatment. She was born on August 6, 1963, in Madison, the daughter of Carol Lenzer and Harold Thompson (Julie).

She was a 1982 graduate of DeForest High School. After almost 38 years, Brenda retired from Demco in January 2025 — a place where she built lifelong friendships and where she enjoyed razzing the truck drivers & team.

Brenda always wanted to have fun. If there was a trail to ride or hike, a kayak to launch, a motorcycle to rev, a road trip to take, an event to experience, or a campsite to claim — she was already packing a cooler of Coors Light. She said, “I’ve got things to do,” and was always planning her next adventure.

She will be remembered for her strength and positivity, even on the hardest days. Brenda could always find the silver lining — and then probably make a joke about it. She faced life’s challenges head-on with fiery stubbornness, gratitude, and a simple plan: do what needed to be done so she could get back to living, adventuring, laughing, and loving.

As she heads off on her next great journey, we raise our glasses to the gift of her company, the hearts she lifted, the smiles she sparked, the encouragement she shared, and the joy she brought to our lives.

Brenda is survived by her daughter, Corie Hoffman (Tom), and her three grandchildren who warmed her heart and kept her laughing — Everson, Lydia, and Isabel. She is further survived by her mother, Carol Lenzer; her father, Harold Thompson (Julie); her brother, Joe Thompson; her stepbrother, Mike Carignan; her former husband, James Vogeler; and her special niece and travel companion, Jessie Thompson, along with nieces Sara and Amanda. She will be deeply missed by many dear friends, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Casey Vogeler; brother Scott Thompson; cousins Mark, Tom, and Steve Twing; stepsister Anna Marks; and her grandparents Henrietta Thompson, and Elmer and Isabel Weichmann.

A Memorial Service will be held at 6pm on Friday, January 16, 2026, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 6924 Lake Road, DeForest. A visitation will take place from 3pm until the time of service. Burial will take place at a later date.

A special thank you to all UW Hospital Carbone Cancer Center and Infusion Center doctors, nurses, and staff for their exceptional care. She enjoyed connecting with you, getting to know you, and joking with you. She would speak so highly of you all and always looked forward to seeing so many of you!

To view this obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Road
608-846-4250