Brent Lee Raben

Brent Lee Raben passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 66 with his wife by his side at their home in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on January 3, 2022. Brent was born in Chadron, Nebraska, on May 11, 1955 to Leona 'Evelyn' (Norman) and Clarence 'Bud' Raben. Brent is preceded in death by his father, Bud Raben, and nephew, Cody Raben. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sandra; his child, Anna (Tyler) Borchardt; sister, Brenda (Rodger) Roberts; brother, Emiel (Vicki) Raben; mother, Evelyn Raben; nephew, Jess (Brittany) Roberts; niece, Katie (Josh) Digmann; and will be missed by many others. Brent attended high school in Crawford, Nebraska and went on dialysis after graduation in 1973 before receiving his first kidney transplant. Shortly after, he lost the transplant due to unrelated medical issues and went back on dialysis for the next 6 years before receiving his second transplant (which he had for 42 years) and becoming a certified draftsman. He then moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he studied psychology at Concordia University and met Sandra Brodhagen. During this time, he did various work in drafting and designing, graduated with his degree, and they married in 1985. He went on to pursue his master's degree in counseling and they had their first and only child in 1993. In 1996, Sandy received a call to teach at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Wausau, Wisconsin, they moved, and he transitioned to a remote position. While in Wausau, Brent became very involved in the Church where he sang and played guitar for the contemporary services, as well as led men's groups and Bible studies. He made friends with everyone he met, often having hours-long conversations with people who were previously strangers. He knew how to make anyone comfortable, using his clever and witty sense of humor along with his genuine concern and care for others. He was a man of faith and integrity who loved telling stories, connecting with others, and, more than anything, spending time with his family. His lifelong dream was to dance with his daughter at her wedding, which he achieved in October of 2019. He and his wife moved to Waukesha in 2020 to be near their daughter and son-in-law. A visitation will take place on Wednesday, January 12th from 10:30am-12:00pm at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 210 E Pleasant St., Oconomowoc, WI 53066, with the service and a brief luncheon to follow. In lieu of sending flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Donate Life Wisconsin on Brent's behalf.