Growing up on a farm, John learned the value of hard work and integrity. After many years of supporting his family through a construction business and farming, John knew he needed to make a change in his life and a difference in the lives of those around him.  He went back to school to become a funeral director and graduated from the University of Minnesota. Since 2012, he has been working for Brenny Family Funeral Chapel.  He achieved another goal in February 2019 when he and his wife, Karolyn, purchased the funeral chapels. He is excited to usher in a new era of compassionate care and excellent service.

John's family is most important to him and he enjoys the time he is able to spend with them - whether attending a Vikings game, boating on Perch Lake, or sitting around the bonfire. In the winter, you will catch him relaxing while watching his favorite tv shows, Judge Judy and Impractical Jokers. John is always willing to lend a hand and help out in any way that he can.

Growing up in a family of eleven in St. Augusta, MN, Karolyn learned at a young age the values of hard work and family. Karolyn married John Brenny in 1990, and together, they had their four children: Kortney, Wayde, Alexander, and Vanessa. For many years, they lived on the century family farm John grew up on near Gilman, MN. Karolyn and John have always worked together on various adventures in life, and in February 2019, in partnership with their son Alexander, they purchased the Brenny Family Funeral Chapels. 

Karolyn has her own business – Karolyn’s Integrated Healing Hands – where she does various types of alternative healing and makes her own products. Her passion to help people heal emotionally and mentally is a great asset that she brings to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel team. With her gifts and love for people, she helps families through the grieving process with our Aftercare Services. 

In Karolyn’s free time, she loves spending time with her family, as family is such an important part of her life. She enjoys time with John, their children, and their grandchildren, Dalia, Tayden, Jayde, Ava, and Lincoln. She loves to cook and entertain for her family and friends, go on pontoon rides and fish on the lake, and be in the sunshine. During the summer months, you can find Karolyn and John out for walks or on bike rides. Karolyn is very interested in health and learning benefits and mentoring a healthy lifestyle to her family, friends, and clients.

Alex's interest in funeral service started after his dad began working for the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in 2012. Eager to follow in the path of providing excellent service and care to the families in the Brainerd Lakes Area, Alex started by obtaining his insurance license and working with families preplanning and prefunding their funeral services.  In 2017, he began attending Des Moines Area Community College in Des Moines, Iowa, for Mortuary Science, and in 2020, he became a licensed funeral director.

Alex is proud to be married to Rachel. They have a son, Lincoln, born in May 2022, and they also have a dog named Urnie. 

Rachel was born in Rochester and grew up in the small town of Hayfield; she will forever call southeastern Minnesota “home.”

Rachel has been involved in funeral service ever since she was born; she and her family even lived in a funeral home until she was in 1st grade. The daughter of a first-generation funeral director and a registered nurse, Rachel has been surrounded by compassion and empathy since birth. Rachel’s younger brother is a second-generation funeral director working alongside her father.

Rachel followed in her mother's footsteps and received her Bachelor's of Science - Nursing degree from Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI in 2019. She is a Registered Nurse at Essentia Health-Baxter Clinic. Rachel recently graduated from Des Moines Area Community College in August of 2024 with her Mortuary Science degree.

Rachel is proud to be married to Alex. They have a son, Lincoln, born in May 2022, and they also have a dog named Urnie. 

Magdalen learned the value of a strong work ethic growing up as the oldest of four children on a dairy farm in Sauk Rapids, MN. After graduating from the University of Minnesota Morris in 2014, she met Wayde Brenny, the son of John and Karolyn Brenny. Magdalen and Wayde were married in the fall of 2017, and together, they bought the Brenny century farm in Rice, MN, that both John and Wayde grew up on.

After seeing the dedication and the compassion that the Brenny family has in serving families in the Brainerd Lakes Area, Magdalen knew she needed to join their team. She joined the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in summer 2020, and she has never looked back. Magdalen enjoys helping families with each step of planning services and honoring their loved ones' lives.  

In her free time, Magdalen enjoys spending time with her daughters, Jayde and Ava; farming with her husband, especially in the spring during lambing and calving time; and spending time with her extended family.

Magdalen recently graduated from Des Moines Area Community College in August of 2024 with her Mortuary Science degree.

Stacy, a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in mortuary science, has dedicated 31 years to serving as a funeral director. Known for his easygoing nature, he balances his professional life with personal passions, including hunting, traveling, and cherishing time with his wife, Jolee, and family. Deeply connected to the Motley area, Stacy’s commitment to his community shines through in both his work and personal endeavors.

Scott, holds funeral director licenses in Wisconsin and Mineesota.

Born in St.Paul, MN at thel home for un-wed mothers adopted by a family in Colfax, WI where he was raised on a hobby farm and was a graduate of Colfax High School. He was a graduate of Chippewa Valley Technical College with an associate’s degree in Hospitality Mgt. Later he attended Milwaukee Area Technical College and graduated with an associates degree in Mortuary Science in 1989. In 1996 he purchased Cashman Mortuary in River Falls. WI. In 2017 Hill Funeral Home and Cremation Services was sold.

Three children, Camryn, Carson, and Guthrie.

Enjoys an occasional golf game, walking, dining out, discovering sushi, and international travel.

For the 37 Years of active duty in funeral service he enjoyed serving families in their time of need, guiding them to create a meaningful celebration of their loved ones life.

Joe owned and operated the Brenny Family Funeral Chapels for more than 46 years before selling to John and Karolyn Brenny in 2019. He is now looking forward to retirement - spending time on the lake and on the deer stand and also spoiling his two little grandsons in Florida.

Joe began his career in funeral service as a young boy watching his dad serve families in the Little Falls Area. After completing high school and obtaining his Mortuary Science degree, Joe bought the Belling and Huff Funeral Homes in Staples and expanded over his 46 years in funeral care to have chapels in Baxter/Brainerd, Crosslake, Pequot Lakes, and Randall. 

During his career, he estimates he has served more than 12,500 families. And the best part for him has always been when a family comes to him a year, ten years, or even 25 years later and remembers the kindness and professionalism he showed their family.

Mike joined our staff on September 1, 2014. He brings with him over 39 years of experience and knowledge. Mike is married to Pauline, and they have two sons and three grandchildren. Mike is very happy to be living in the Brainerd Lakes Area, so he can enjoy one of his favorite pastimes, golf, on the award-winning courses we have in our area. He also enjoys working with computers and skiing.

Sarah is a proud graduate of Fulda High School and Southwest Minnesota State University, where she earned her degree in Business Administration Finance. As a dedicated personal trainer, she has a passion for helping others achieve their fitness goals, combining her expertise with an infectious enthusiasm for healthy living.

Sarah is married to Jeff and together they have three children - Chloe (Jacob), Carson and Reagan. Sarah balances her family life with her commitment to fitness. She loves spending time on the lake, enjoying the great outdoors with her kids and her two dogs, Isabelle and Milo. With a focus on fostering a supportive environment, Sarah inspires those around her to embrace an active lifestyle and reach their personal best.

Melanie grew up in the Brainerd area and enjoys spending time out on the lake and walking on the trails. She joined the Brenny team in 2020 after the passing of her father-in-law. Melanie worked directly with the Brenny team in planning her father-in-law's funeral services and experienced firsthand the care, compassion, and dedication the Brenny team has to offer. 

Melanie has over eight years of experience as an office administrator and takes great pride in assisting families with creating a personalized memorial for their loved one. She currently lives in Baxter with her husband, Jon, and is very family oriented.

Tessa was born and raised in the Brainerd area. She joined the Brenny Team in August 2021 after seven years as a licensed assistant in real estate. Tessa enjoys spending time with her husband and her daughter, who is in elementary school at Lake Region Christian School. In her spare time, Tessa and her family enjoy being outdoors, spending time with friends and family, and traveling together. She is active in the community with volunteer work at Habitat for Humanity, church, and the VFW. Tessa is passionate about helping families through planning their loved one’s memorial service and providing caring service to them at a difficult time.

At just 23 years old, Isabel Bemboom brings a fresh perspective and a passionate commitment to her role at our funeral chapel. Inspired by her sister, Magdalen Brenny, and her rewarding work with families, Isabel knew she wanted to be a part of this meaningful mission. As the manager of the Staples Chapel, she takes pride in serving families in the Brainerd Lakes Area, ensuring they receive the support and care they need during important moments in their lives. Isabel’s dedication to her community is evident in her everyday work. Outside of her professional life, she loves spending quality time with her family, especially her cherished nieces, Jayde and Ava. Isabel believes that strong family bonds are at the heart of everything she does, both personally and professionally.

Kelsey grew up in Pine River, MN with her parents and younger siblings. She is the daughter of Jay and Jacki Kline, past owners of Kline Funeral Home, so she is very comfortable in her role as an office administrator for Brenny Family Funeral Chapel. Her parents taught her the importance of hard work, compassion, and civic duty. Kelsey is on the Miss Pine River Pageant Committee and is involved with other community boards and events.

Kelsey loves all things creative; she enjoys jewelry-making, photography, art, reading, movies, and traveling. She likes to spend her time with family, friends, and her pets. You can find her at bar trivia at her local Legion Club every Thursday night with her family.  

Kelsey is happy “holding down the fort” at our Pine River location and is pleased that she is able to work in and for her hometown.

Hunter, born and raised in the Foley/Gilman area, joined the Brenny team in 2024, bringing his passion and empathy for others to the forefront. He loves spending time with family and friends and embraces the outdoors, often helping on the family farm or enjoying hunting and fishing trips. Hunter is dedicated to providing compassionate care to families during their most challenging times, making a meaningful impact in his community.

Steve Suer joined the Brenny team in 2010. Officiating at services, he is one of the kindest individuals you will ever meet. Steve served his country in Vietnam and truly understands the value of our veterans and their families. He and his wife, Mary, have four kids and grandchildren, along with their sweet little fur baby, Dolly.

Maddie is from Nisswa and thrives on spending quality time with her family, creating memories that last a lifetime. A proud dog mom to Ellie, her playful companion adds a joyful spark to her everyday life.

Since joining the Brenny team in the summer of 2023, Maddie has brought her passion and enthusiasm to her work, quickly becoming a cherished member of the team. With her friendly demeanor and commitment to excellence, she’s excited to make a positive impact in the community.

Jon is a Brainerd native with a heart of gold. Married to his lovely wife, Melanie, Jon is known for his willingness to help out with anything, whether it’s lending a hand or tackling a project. He treasures quality time with his family, often gathering around the grill for delicious meals and laughter.

With an easy-going personality and a big smile, Jon lights up every room he enters. You can also find Jon with a huge smile as his manages the dairy department at Schaeffer's in Nisswa. Jon’s warmth and commitment to his community make him a beloved figure, always ready to share a laugh or a helping hand.

Scott Hall is a dedicated and experienced professional with a strong commitment to service and community. A Veteran with a passion for photography, Scott balances his career and personal life with quality time spent with family and friends. With 19 years of experience serving at Habitat for Humanity, he has honed his expertise in community developmento and project management. Scott's dedication to making a positive impact continues to drive his work and connect him with meaningful initiatives.