BRENDA ANN McILHERAN

ROLFE —Brenda Ann McIlheran, 39, of Rolfe, went to be the the Lord she loved so dearly Thursday, Feb. 15, after a sudden illness. Services will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, rural Palmer, on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 10:30 a.m., with burial to follow at the Clinton Garfield Cemetery in Rolfe. Visitation will be held Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 4-8 p.m. at Powers Funeral Home in Rolfe.

Brenda Ann Lanus was born Nov. 17, 1967 at Pocahontas. She grew up in Rolfe and graduated from Rolfe High School in 1986. Brenda attended Western Iowa Technical College, Sioux City, receiving her activity director certification.

Brenda married Gary Miller in 1988. The couple had three children, Kyle, Michael, and Andrea Miller. They resided in Sioux City and South Sioux City, Neb. before returning to Rolfe in 2000. The couple later divorced.

Brenda married Michael McIlheran on March 16, 2004. Brenda was activity director at Rolfe Care Center for the past six years. She and her husband also operated Michael’s Photo Farm. As a Presbyterian lay minister she served on an interim basis at the Shared Ministry Church in Rolfe. Her love of Christ was known to all she touched. In recent years she had been active member at Faith Lutheran Church serving as co-chair of the Women of Faith group.

Brenda will be remembered for the talents she put in crafting, gardening and canning. Much of the fruits of her labor were used to raise funds for the care center residents. She was the ultimate mother and wife. She delivered Meals on Wheels daily in Rolfe and was known to all for her joy, laughter and quick wit. She was a staunch advocate for the residents of the care center and brought joy and happiness to many in the activities she planned.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Michael, sons, Kyle Miller of Humboldt and Michael Miller of Rolfe; daughter, Andrea Miller, Rolfe; step-daughters Kelli and Erin McIlheran, Des Moines; step-sons, Chad McIlheran, Anchorage, Alaska; Christopher McIlheran and Shawn McIlheran, Clay Center, Neb.; her mother and step-father, Sharalyn and Jim Hansen, Rolfe; father, George Lanus, Rolfe; grandfather, Roy Lanus, Humboldt; as well as many aunts, uncles, a niece, nephew, and cousins.

Brenda was preceded in death by her brother, Daniel Lanus as well as her grandparents Ray and Bonnie Wolfe and Edna Lanus.

She will be missed by all she came in contact with.