To watch the livestream of Kevin's service, please click the link below.
Ryan Funeral Home Madison - YouTube

Kevin Joseph Brinnehl, of Madison, died unexpectedly on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. He was 48. His wife, Elizabeth, and children Axel and Rowan survive him.

Kevin was a smartass. He was also solid, steady, loving, and present for everyone in his life.

Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, Kevin shared his dad’s hands-on attitude – and, often, advice. Teaching Axel to drive meant passing on the wisdom of Jerry Brinnehl: “Drive like nobody else knows how to drive, and they’re all out to get you.”

His colleagues at Zendesk often cited the intelligence and skill he brought to his work as a senior engineer. Easy to work with in the office, he took that camaraderie beyond the workday, caring deeply for his coworkers and their families.

Though Kevin did not become a music teacher, as he had first intended, he loved performing, sharing, and educating his family on influential works. The vibe of his constant drumming – on drums and any available surfaces – made it easy to discern his moods.

“If I was home for more than three hours,” says Axel, “I’d hear, ‘Let me show you this video!’ He’d quiz me: ‘Guess what this is. Take a wild gander!’ Or he’d share compositions he’d made or old recordings of his band.”

Above all, Kevin cherished time with his family:
Getting married on July 4 on the lake, partly for the fireworks…
Kayaking down Starkweather Creek on a moment’s notice…
Plowing through Stargate SG-1 or a Lord of the Rings marathon with neighbors...
Making hasty Photoshop montages of cats eating tacos or stinkbugs freezing outside the window…
Wandering Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with his eldest until Walt Disney World closed for the night...

In addition to his wife and children, Kevin leaves his parents Beth and Jerry Brinnehl, of Tinley Park, Ill.; sister Christy (John) Weaver and John’s children Jack and Lily, of Chicago, Ill..

We may not understand Kevin’s death in light of his life, but we know his love endures. If you are struggling, know you’re not alone.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at RYAN FUNERAL SERVICE & LEGACY CENTER, 6728 Mader Dr, Madison. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12:00pm until the time of service. To view this obituary and leave a message, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Service & Legacy Center
6728 Mader Drive
608-274-1000

Kevin Brinnehl

June 25, 1977 - February 16, 2026

Send Local Flowers & Gifts for Kevin

Categories