Brenda Jean Kanz

Brenda Jean Kanz (Budnick), 52 of Rollingstone, died Sunday, December 21, 2014 at her home surrounded by her family and two best friends Donna and Carla after a brave and courageous battle with thymic carcinoma. Brenda was born November 29, 1962 in Winona to Leon and Sharon (Fabian) Budnick. She attended St. Martin's grade school and graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1981. Brenda was united in marriage to Jeffrey Kanz on December 27, 1980 in Winona. Together they had one son, Joel. For many years, Brenda cleaned homes with her mom. She later worked as a secretary for Dick's Marine Inc. Though her time on this earth was all too brief, Brenda lived each day to the fullest. She was selfless, caring, feisty, sweet, kindhearted and generous. Brenda was the proudest "Nana" to her three grandkids and cherished every moment she got to spend with them. She also enjoyed caring for her dogs, traveling with family, and spending time on the houseboat of her dreams with her dock family. Brenda was a perfectionist and loved taking care of her yard. While her son Joel was growing up, she and Jeff spent nearly every weekend traveling for hockey and baseball tournaments. She had tons of energy and a contagious spirit that will be missed by so many. She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 34 years, Jeff Kanz of Rollingstone; son, Joel (Tiffany) Kanz of Savage; grandchildren, Madison (13), Breelyn (7), and Aaron (3); brother, Brian Budnick; sister-in-law, Laurie (Mark) Mathot; and mother-in-law, Nadine "Shorty" Kanz. She was preceded in death her parents Sharon and Leon Budnick; and her father-in-law, Richard "Dick" Kanz. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m., Sunday, December 28, 2014 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview. Memorial service will be 11 a.m., Monday, December 29, 2014 at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Winona with visitation one hour prior. Reverend Paul Welke will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be directed to the Brenda Kanz Cancer Fund at any Altra Federal Credit Union location.Please share a memory of Brenda, sign her online guestbook and view her video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/552395