Brenda’s Story

Site created on May 24, 2021

On Sunday 5/16, Brenda had a seizure at home in Winona. She was taken to the local clinic where an MRI revealed a mass in her brain. She was quickly moved to Gunderson in LaCrosse where further tests and MRIs revealed that the mass was a brain tumor. On Wednesday 5/19, Brenda underwent brain surgery to remove the tumor. The surgeon was able to remove all of it, but said that it would take some time for her speech functions to return to normal. The later part of the week was spent re-learning words and gaining back some physical strength. Brenda was moved to in-patient rehabilitation over the weekend, where they are focusing on speech therapy. Wes has rarely left her side, only coming home to Winona to sleep before he heads right back to Gunderson to be with his bride.

We will use this space to keep everyone updated on diagnosis, prognosis, and ways you can support the Whetstones during this time. Thank you to everyone who has already stopped by the house, called, emailed and sent cards. They are very appreciated.


Newest Update

Journal entry by ashley whetstone

Brenda E. Whetstone, 74 of Winona, died Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at Speltz Homes in Lewiston after a long battle with brain cancer.

Brenda was born July 19, 1949 to Rueben and Dorothy (Sutton) Roedeske in Arcadia, WI.  She graduated from Lewiston High School in 1967. A few years later she met Wes Whetstone and they married February 12, 1972. They raised three children together while Brenda attended Winona State University. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and spent her career as an RN and Lactation Nurse for Gunderson Health where she was beloved. She retired in 2017 after nearly 30 years. In their retirement, Brenda and Wes loved traveling to Florida and New Orleans and making lifelong friendships along the way.

Brenda loved gardening and meticulously cared for the plants and flowers in their backyard. She particularly loved orchids and watching birds in their yard. She doted on her many grandchildren and tirelessly supported her own children even well into their adult lives. She long surpassed her brain cancer diagnosis in 2021, outliving every medical prediction and proving to herself and everyone around her what a tenacious fighter she really was.

She is survived by her husband, Wes; brothers Reuben “Butch” and Lyman “Sonny” (Donna) Roedeske; step-daughter Terri Hansen; children Eric (Ashley), Scott, and Gina (Rob) Horton; grandchildren Ethan, Cassie, Bailey (Jordan) Marcou, Cade Hansen, Evan, Chloe, Lola, Henry Horton, and Catleya, as well as bonus grandchildren, Nash and Zeke Romeo.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 27, 2024 4-7pm at Hoff Celebration of Life Center – Goodview. Memorial Service will be Thursday, March 28 at 11 a.m. at Hoff Celebration of Life Center – Goodview, led by Reverend Tori Hicks, with a visitation beginning at 10 a.m.

Hoff Celebration of Life Center – Goodview is assisting the family with arrangements. www.hofffuneral.com.

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