Brenda Terell Traverse

Brenda Terell Traverse, 57, of Muskego, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, May 1st, 2023.

Brenda was born on November 1st, 1965 to parents Elvin “Al” and Shirley Traverse in Omaha, Nebraska. Although a Wisconsin resident for the majority of her life, she spent her childhood growing up in both Spring Lake Park and Coon Rapids, Minnesota. She graduated from Eau Claire North High School in 1984, and went on to live a very rich life pursuing her dreams and passions. She excelled as an event organizer, culinary expert, bartender, business manager, and multi-business entrepreneur. In her spare time, she loved gardening, decorating, crafting personalized gourmet dishes, becoming an accomplished chess player, spending time with friends and family, and listening to her favorite songs.

The most important thing to Brenda was her family. She always said her greatest achievement was her ability to be a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, animal caregiver, and friend to all. She had an incredible love for her family, and never hesitated to show them off to the world. She was passionate about teaching her kids and grandkids how to follow their own paths and chase their dreams, and how to maintain an eternal level of happiness. Brenda excelled at propping up her family and friends and supporting them through the many passions and difficulties in their lives. Whether it be a childhood friend, a coworker, a family member, or even a stranger, she always made it her mission to enrich and improve the lives of others.

Brenda immediately lit up any room she entered and made an impact on so many lives. She had a heart of gold, a spirit of an angel, and an aura that was brighter than the sun. She was open-minded, always filled with curiosity and a never-ending eagerness to learn. She was an innocent prankster with a great sense of humor and an uncanny ability for thinking fast on her feet and outside the box.

Brenda was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Traverse. She is survived by her husband, Dan Henkel; her two sons, Josh Backstrom and Lorden Russell; her daughter-in-law, Jen Gaul; her five grandsons, Damien Backstrom, Jordan Backstrom, Hunter Backstrom, Braden Gaul, and Kaiton Gaul; her father, Elvin "Al" Traverse; her step-mother, Bonnie Traverse; her sister, Sonja Traverse; and her brother-in-law, Brent Pasdo.

Brenda leaves behind a life full of unforgettable memories, each filled with joy, inspiration and laughter. She will be loved and missed dearly by friends and family alike. Her impact on our lives and the world shall never be forgotten.

A private family viewing has been planned. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin, an organization Brenda felt strongly about. Her family will be hosting a Celebration of Life, date to be determined later. For anyone interested in attending this event to commemorate her, please contact her family via email at BrendaCOL65@gmail.com.