James A. Bren

VERONA - James A. Bren, age 75, passed away at his home in Verona after a battle with ALS on May 18, 2022. Jim was born on February 6, 1947, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He married his high school sweetheart, Joanne, on February 19, 1977. Jim was an adventurer at heart, with a genuine interest in meeting new people, learning about different cultures and traditions – especially those involving food. Jim also loved getting involved and helping with various causes. Friends remember his warm smile, calm voice, and encouraging words, whether he was on the bleachers watching or behind the blocks timing swim meets, painting houses with the rotary club, or spending time with the many lifelong friends he made along the way. He and Joanne loved to travel, visiting Poland several times, as well as Thailand, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Russia, Turkey, and many other countries around Europe. An avid hiker, hunter, and fan of sailing and kayaking, he enjoyed the outdoors around Wisconsin between his other adventures across the United States and beyond. Jim graduated from Nathan Hale High School in West Allis in 1965. He earned his bachelor’s degree at UW-Whitewater and made good memories with his fraternity brothers, and he obtained his MBA and treasured “Badger alumni status” from UW-Madison. He then started a 31-year career with the Small Business Administration, where he made lifelong friends and took pride in assisting budding entrepreneurs. He also worked for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for several years before retiring and spending more time sailing, traveling, and volunteering. His wide range of volunteer work spanned many areas, including the Historic First Lutheran Church, Madison Horizons Rotary Club, Meals on Wheels, and Habitat for Humanity. He is survived by his wife, Joanne (Szortyka); daughters, Jenny (Scott) Herritz of Mount Horeb and Jill (Micah) Rinzel of Cottage Grove; his sister, Susan (David) Smith of Coleman; and grandchildren, Hayden, Elliana, Levi, and Alice. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Eleanore (Schwartz) Bren; and most recently, his close friend, Karl Schmidt. He is further survived by many loving family members, including his sister-in-law, Luane Krall, and niece and nephews, Becky Thill, Ryan Krall, and Darron Smith. A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, on Thursday, June 23, 2022, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a short service beginning at 3 p.m., followed by an hors d’oeuvres reception. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the ALS Association, who supported Jim and Joanne through Jim’s year-long journey with ALS, or the Carbone Cancer Center, who gave Jim six more years after his pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Jim approached each day, adventure, and new friend with curiosity and interest. He was very appreciative of the many friends that visited him in his last months, and of the numerous caring staff that supported him and Joanne on this difficult journey. “Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm.” Thank you for being first mates on his last sail. All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Madison is assisting the family. Online condolences and support can be made at www.866allfaiths.com.