Geraldine "Jeri" M. Brenneis

Geraldine “Jeri” M. Brenneis (nee Heinrich) died peacefully on Sunday, August 14, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Jeri was born in Milwaukee on June 19, 1937. By age 12, she was an accomplished accordion player, performing at the 19th annual Chicagoland Music Festival in Soldiers’ Field. In addition, she enjoyed dancing to polka music, and spending summers at a cottage on Big Cedar Lake. With her great love for travel, Jeri organized many bus trips to Wisconsin Badger football and Milwaukee Brewers baseball games, along with trips to Arizona spring training. She also traveled to visit family in Colorado, Texas, Washington, and Illinois. Jeri really loved cruising to the Caribbean and Hawaii, and particularly a special family wedding cruise in 2007. Jeri loved animals, rescuing many cats from the Wisconsin Humane Society. She enjoyed frequent visits to the zoo and Wisconsin State Fair with her granddaughters and family. Jeri was a member of the Dancing Grannies and entertained crowds as they danced down the streets of many parade routes. Other favorite pastimes included baking, crafting, polka dancing, playing darts, and just having fun. Jeri is survived by her children, daughters Charleyne Brenneis, Denise Verun (Max), Diane Christensen, and son Leo Brenneis (Patty); grandchildren Ashley Drew (Cody) and Emily Christensen; and great-granddaughter Braelyn Drew. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul & Lillian Heinrich, grandson Patrick Brenneis, son-in-law David Christensen, and great-granddaughter, Emersyn Rose Drew, born sleeping. A memorial visitation will be Wednesday, August 17, 2022, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. at Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral Home Greenridge Chapel (4747 S. 60th Street, Greenfield, WI 53220). In lieu of flowers, donations to Wisconsin Humane Society are greatly appreciated.