Meet Our Caring Team

Shannon is pleased to return to Brainard Funeral Home, after serving her apprenticeship with us in 2003. A graduate of Milwaukee Area Technical School’s mortuary science program, Shannon has worked in funeral homes in Southern Wisconsin, Texas, and California. 

Shannon enjoys spending her time with her dog, Lucky and 2 cats, Zepplin and Chestnut.  Shannon spends her free time walking, kayaking, hiking, road biking and participating in various local 5K's. 

She is happy to return to her hometown and meet with the families we serve to help them arrange a personalized service tailored to their loved one.

Sam is originally from Park Falls, Wisconsin. He earned his Associate of Applied Science degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College in 2012. Sam chose funeral service because of his desire to help others, knowing he would be able to do so in their greatest time of need.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys playing guitar, playing video games, and riding his motorcycle on nice days. In 2008, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Sam has a bearded dragon named Rex, a leopard gecko named Gir, and a Doberman puppy named Gus. 

Scott was licensed as a Funeral Director in 1973. Today, he works alongside a staff dedicated to helping families honor their loved ones in the most respectful and loving way possible. Scott is an active member of the Wausau area community who has served as President of numerous organizations including the Wausau Area Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Exchange Club of Wausau, and Big Bull Falls Lions Club. Scott has an active personal life that includes downhill skiing, scuba diving, and motorcycles. He has two sons, two daughter-in-laws, and a grandson and two granddaughters.

Sarah grew up in Tomahawk, Wisconsin with aspirations of being an Athletic Trainer. After attending college at UW Eau Claire for Athletic Training for four years, she discovered that her heart was elsewhere. Much to her family’s surprise, she changed her major to Mortuary Science and received her degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College in 2009. Sarah has been serving families in the Wausau area since then. Being able to meet so many wonderful people and helping them at one of the most difficult times in their lives has been very fulfilling. 

Sarah and her husband Nathan, a police officer with the Rothschild Police Department, live in Wausau with their three kids, Lianna, Will, and Drew.  They are members of The Village Church in Kronenwetter.

Kelli is from Wausau and has an associate degree in art and science, as well as an associate degree in mortuary science. She chose funeral service because of her passion for helping others and has been serving as an apprentice and funeral director since 2019. In her spare time, Kelli enjoys being outdoors.

Marcia is from Brillion, Wisconsin. She studied nursing at Fox Valley Technical College. While working at a small community hospital, she often spent time with families just after a loved one passed away and began to realize how meaningful it was to provide support to those a loss leaves behind. In May 2000, Marcia graduated from Milwaukee Area Technical College with an associate degree in funeral service.  

Prior to coming to Wausau, Marcia began her career in Kaukauna, went to Milwaukee for over 15 years, and then worked in Madison. Marcia is very honored to help families in their time of need. She enjoys celebrating their loved one's life and personalizing their visitation and service. 

Marcia’s daughter, MacKenzie, lives in Brooklyn, New York. Marcia has a Standard Poodle named Payton, a cat named Marci, and a grand kitty, Sylvie. Outside of work, Marcia likes hiking locally and at national parks—Glacier National Park has been her favorite so far. She is also interested in animal rescue and cooking healthy recipes. 

Ingrid was born and raised in Wausau, Wisconsin, and after a short time of living abroad, she is grateful to be back in her hometown serving her community in this meaningful way. Ingrid is married and loves to spend as much time with her family as she can. In her free time, she likes being outdoors hiking, kayaking, swimming, and camping. She also enjoys the arts and loves to make jewelry, paint, draw, crochet, and play the bass. Ingrid has a genuine passion for helping families honor their loved ones and is very grateful to be part of the funeral home team.

Debbie is happy to join the Brainard Funeral Home family and is committed to helping families plan for their future needs as our Advance Funeral Planner.

She has two married sons and four beautiful grandchildren. An avid traveler, Debbie loves to fill her passport with new stamps by exploring new places and learning about different cultures and traditions.

Calley is originally from Owen-Withee, Wisconsin, and previously worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She has a passion for helping people. She considers it an honor to help carry out a loved one’s last wishes and provide families with a sense of caring and understanding in their time of loss. Calley and her wife, Missy, have two sons, Issaic and Lucas, and five dogs. Outside of work, Calley enjoys making tie blankets and spending time four-wheeling, fishing, and bowling.

Mary graduated from UW-Stout with degrees in Psychology and Counseling, along with a Master's Degree in Education from UW-Stevens Point. Mary is a retired educator from the Wausau School District after 35 years of service.

Mary and her husband, Dick, enjoy sharing time with their two sons, one of whom lives in the Wausau area and the other in Denver, Colorado. They enjoy volunteering in the community with the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, their church-St. Andrew Lutheran Church, and various other volunteer opportunities. Their small hobby farm keeps them busy, but in Mary's spare time, she enjoys gardening and horseback riding.

Ryley is the Office Manager in our Wausau Chapel. Ryley graduated from UW – Stout with a Bachelors degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management. She lived in the Menomonie, Eau Claire area for 8 years after school before moving back to her hometown of Wausau.

Ryley spends her free time with her friends, family and cats. She enjoys her interaction with the community on a daily basis and takes pride in assisting our funeral directors with the families who walk through our doors. She is most likely the voice you will hear when you call Brainard Funeral Home.

Holly is originally from Belgium, WI, and moved to the Wausau area shortly after graduating. After years in hospitality and food service management, she recognized her interest in funeral care and took a chance in a new position. With a love for learning and an organic passion for helping others, Holly is grateful to be helping families in need. 

When out of the office, Holly enjoys traveling, hunting, helping on the family farm, and taking care of all her pets.

Born and raised in Oostburg, Tim is a retired teacher of political science and economics. He enjoyed coaching for over 60 seasons. Tim and his wife, Mary Jo enjoy their young grandsons and families in Seattle and Roberts, WI.

Roger retired from Emmons Business Interiors after a career that spanned almost 46 years. Roger is married to Jan, and they have four daughters, four granddaughters, and one grandson. Roger served 4 ½ years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Jan & Roger are members of the Elks Club Lodge #248. He loves spending time with his family, traveling and fishing. When not working Roger is involved with his church, the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Bob was raised in Wausau and retired from the Wausau School District after 34 years as an educator and guidance counselor. He is married with three children and five grandchildren, who all live in the Wausau area. Outside of work, Bob enjoys woodworking, restoring old cars, and spending time in his shop. He participates in numerous volunteer opportunities in Wausau and is a trustee in the Wausau Elks Lodge 248.

Ed was a barber in Wausau for 45 years and served in the Army Reserves. He is currently a commissioner on the Rib Mountain Sanitary Board and a member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.  He enjoys working at our funeral homes because of the families he meets and the variety of his duties.

He has been married to his wife, Martha, for 53 years. They have three children and one grandson.  For relaxation, Ed enjoys woodworking, reading and taking long walks.

Originally from Winnipeg, Canada, Elaina relocated to Wausau 17 years ago. She and her husband, Dan, have two sons.

Elaina enjoys traveling and spending time with family and close friends.

Oliver is a loveable, adventurous Miniature Goldendoodle who was born on Valentine’s Day in 2022 in Mosinee, WI. He was trained by the amazing staff at The Bark Academy in Wausau and is proud to be the first grief therapy dog in Wausau. His mission in life is to bring smiles during the hardest of times and provide a needed distraction from the seriousness of situations, especially for children. Besides serving at the funeral home, Oliver is also involved in the community, making public appearances, working requested services, and visiting community residences. He offers perfect handshakes and a calming presence.

Oliver is a recipient of the American Kennel Club’s S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, and Community Canine awards. He loves to play in the water, attend daycare, and go on car drives. He also enjoys hiking with his handler, Shawn Smith, who is the General Manager at the funeral home. Oliver’s favorite treats are freeze-dried minnows and, of course, cheese (after all, he is from Wisconsin!).