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.

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.

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.

Born and raised in the Wausau area, Lauren spent some time in Whitewater, WI, pursuing an arts education degree, catering to a love of ceramics and glass blowing. She moved back home to explore a few career options before becoming a licensed funeral director apprentice in 2024. In her free time, Lauren enjoys reading, hiking, tending to her house plants, thrifting, and creating art through various mediums.

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.

Beth, originally from Amherst and now residing in Merrill, is a U.S. Navy veteran with a deep commitment to service. Currently pursuing a degree in funeral services, Beth is dedicated to providing comfort and care to others. Outside of academics and professional aspirations, Beth has a passion for adventure and the outdoors, often spending free time biking, attending car shows, camping, hiking local trails, and hanging out with her animals. 

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.

Logan is from Schofield and went to high school at the Engineering and Global Leadership Academy. He attended multiple Navy training centers and was an honor graduate of the Navy FC “A” School. 

Logan has always had a passion for helping people in any way he can. Outside of work, he enjoys playing video games, hiking, watching documentaries, and traveling, especially road trips.

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.

Rachel was born and raised in Wausau and has always felt a deep connection to its people and values. With over 25 years of experience in the customer service industry, Rachel has cultivated a genuine passion for helping others. Her dedication shines through in every interaction, making her a source of comfort and understanding for those around her.

In addition to her work at our funeral homes, Rachel owns and operates a small boutique right here in Wausau, where she blends her creative spirit with her love for the community. Outside of her professional life, Rachel enjoys crafting, hiking, planting flowers, canoeing, and spending peaceful moments at the cabin she shares with her partner.

Rachel’s warmth and kindness are evident in everything she does, and she is honored to bring these qualities to our funeral home and support families during life’s most challenging times.

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.

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.

Matt was raised in Merrill and now lives in Weston. He and his wife, Keri, have two children. For over 25 years, Matt has taught at Northcentral Technical College. He also served in the US Air Force. In his free time, Matt enjoys spending time with his family at the cabin, going for walks with his wife, working on his old car, and riding his Harley. He and his family are on a competitive water ski show team called the Water Walkers. Matt also gives back to his community as a board member of WATEA’s Wheels to Work program.