February 26, 2022 – Markesan, WI – Army Major Brenda Jean Fiegel, 41, passed away in Milwaukee on Sunday, February 13, 2022.
Visitation for Brenda will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 65 W. Catherine St. in Markesan from 1 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 3 p.m. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Fairwater Cemetery. Following the burial, family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life Reception back at the church.
Brenda was born on September 5, 1980, the daughter of James and Charlotte Fiegel of Markesan. She was baptized and confirmed in her faith at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Markesan, and attended the Markesan School District, graduation from Markesan High School in 1999.
She then attended UW-La Crosse and UW-Oshkosh before completing her Bachelor of Science degree in International Politics at UW-Milwaukee. During this time, she also completed the ROTC training at Marquette University.
Brenda received her Master’s degree in Foreign Language and Literature from Marquette in May of 2008, after spending a semester at Universidad Versitas in Costa Rica and another semester teaching English in South Korea.
Brenda enlisted in the United States Army in December of 2002, becoming a United States Army Commissioned Intelligence Officer, earning the following decorations, medals, and badges: Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Sharpshooter Marksmanship Badge, and Rifle Bar. She was also honored by the President and the Ambassador of Costa Rica for her duties performed. She had many articles published regarding the work done regarding terrorism.
On December 23, 2014, Brenda was united in marriage to Adrian Poveda in Miami, where they made their home. She enjoyed traveling the world, experiencing different cultures, and meeting new people.
Brenda leaves behind many loved ones, including her husband, Adrian of Miami; parents, James and Charlotte Fiegel of Markesan; sisters, Jennifer (Scott) Fiegel-Newlon of Wisconsin Dells and Sara (Hector) Fiegel-Cruz of Franklin; brother, Brian Fiegel of Markesan; nieces, Morgan Newlon and Arianna Cruz; nephews, Daniel Galindo, Enrique Cruz, and Ian Newlon; and further survived by aunts, Mary Jean Fiegel of West Bend and Elaine (Jim) Pretz of Markesan; uncle, Melvin (Becky) Bender of Kingston; grandmother, Janice Bender of Dalton; brother-in-law, Andreas Poveda; parents-in-law, Alejandro Poveda and Gretta Solano; sister-in-law, Alejanbra (Francisco Albellan) Poveda; her beloved cats, Luna and Smokey; and many relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by a nephew, Sebastian Cruz; grandparents, Norbert and Dorothy Fiegel, and Arnold Bender; aunt, Carla Bender, and her favorite cat of all time, Shadow.
Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 181 S. Main St., Markesan is honored to be serving the family.
