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   Brenda Lee (Mergens) Stading, passed away on April 13, 2023. She was born to Edward and Audrey Mergens on September 2, 1960, in Farmington, MN. In 1965 Brenda’s family moved to Inver Grove Heights where Brenda attended Simley High School. There she was an avid swimmer and was an integral part of the synchronized swim team. She also taught swimming lessons during the summer.

   After high school Brenda attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education on May 19, 1983. Brenda then found employment at the Northwood-Kensett School District in Northwood, Iowa, where she was a K-12 art teacher for over 20 years. One evening, soon after moving to Iowa, Brenda was out for drinks with her coworkers at a bowling alley and was introduced to a young man, William “Bill” Stading. The rest is history! Bill and Brenda married on August 16, 1986. Later in her career, Brenda also became the Director of Project Childcare in Manly, Iowa.

   After over 20 years of teaching in Iowa, Brenda and Bill ventured up to the north woods and built a home in Hackensack, MN. From there, Brenda pursued a career at the Leisure Hotels-Chase on the Lake in Walker, MN as an event coordinator. Brenda also worked for Cass County at BiCap where she supported housing and headstart communities.

   Throughout Brenda’s life she enjoyed gardening, painting, pottery, quilting, doing crafts and selling them at art and craft sales. Brenda was a creative soul. Her favorite food was Chinese, just like her Dad. While living in northern Minnesota Brenda pursued her love for the outdoors through fishing, camping and her favorite, kayaking on Stony Lake.

   Brenda is survived by her loving husband, Bill Stading; children, Matthew (Amanda) Stading and Tyler Stading; grandchildren, Wyatt and Weston; mother, Audrey Mergens; siblings: Beth (Tom) Banttari, Brad (Brenda) Mergens, Ben (Denise) Mergens, Barb Weber, Bruce (LeeAnn) Mergens, Bonnie (Brad) Beaver; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Edward Mergens.

   Services will be 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hackensack. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Following the service, a graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the church.   

   Arrangements are with Kline Funeral Home, Pine River.

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