Denise Diane Brewer-Drew, 41, passed away unexpectedly at Hess Memorial Hospital on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010. She was born Nov. 11, 1968, in Mauston, the youngest child of Rocky Shepherd and Catherine Wiles.

Denise spent her childhood in Mauston and later moved to Rantoul, Ill., where she graduated from high school. Denise returned to Mauston and went on to receive a degree as an office computer specialist at Western Wisconsin Technical College. She worked for many years as a waitress at Target Bluff (German Haus) in Camp Douglas, and as a homemaker caring for her family.

Denise had a good and caring heart. She was an avid reader and spent many hours with books from friends and the library. She loved animals and would befriend any cat that crossed her path and needed help. She cared deeply for her family and treasured times spent with them. Her children were her pride and joy. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, funny faces and ready smile.

Although Denise left us prematurely, we know that her pain has been left behind. We will miss her.

Survivors include her companion, Jeff Wittren of Mauston; parents, Rocky (Kathy) Shepherd of Mauston, and Catherine (Harold) Wiles of Rantoul, Ill.; grandparents, Lee Babcock of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Lillian Gavin of New Lisbon; sisters, Michele (Ed) Lachman of Trevor, Wis., Chelsea (Alan) Cook of Wilton, and Holly (Kyle) Merten of Menomonee Falls; brother, Matthew Shepherd of Brodhead; daughters, Brianna Brewer (fiancé Jamie Townsend) and Kerri Brewer of New Lisbon, and Elizabeth Drew of Oakdale; son, Joshua Drew of Onalaska; grandson, Jeremy Brewer; nieces, Monica (Joey) Horner, Melissa and Melanie Sharp, Mauren and Jillian Cook; and nephews, Jacob, Sean and Alex Bainbridge.

Denise was preceded in death by her grandparents, Leonard and Lillian Meden; Clifford Babcock, Bernard (Barney) Gavin and Dorothy Macemon; and sister, Dee Bainbridge.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010, at First Baptist Church in New Lisbon, where friends called from 9:30 a.m. until the time of

services. Burial followed at Mauston Cemetery.

Login to post your comment. If you don't have an account, you may register for one.