Brenda's obituary
We celebrate the life of Brenda (Ravndalen) Sargent, whose earthly journey concluded on Jan. 31, 2024. Brenda never wanted it said that she lost her battle with cancer. She’d always say that when she died, the cancer would also die. So, technically, it ends in a tie.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and inspiration in her husband of 45 years, Udean; her sons, Kaleb (with Lindsey, Sophie, and Noah), Brock (with Meg, Avery, Emmy, and Austen) and Cody (with Anna and Tegan); her brother, Bob (with Marlin); sister, Barb; and sister-in-law, Marion. Brenda also leaves a void in the lives of her many nieces, nephews, and the good friends she cared so much about.
Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Eileen Ravndalen; brother, Bruce Ravndalen; brother-in-law, Doug Smith; father and mother-in-law, Irvin and Minnie Sargent; brothers-in-law, Tom, Merle, Norbert Sargent, and David Ries; and sister-in-law, Karen Ries.
Brenda embraced her passion for helping others through her dedication to numerous community service organizations, including the adult literacy program in Pope County. Brenda loved giving the gift of reading and the freedom that followed.
Brenda had chosen to donate her body to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program so that she might contribute to the growing knowledge of how to better treat and manage ovarian cancers in the future.
The family will celebrate Brenda’s life at Hope Community Church, located in Central Square in Glenwood, on Feb. 10 at 11 a.m. Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA) or Glacial Ridge Hospice to give back to organizations that contributed so much to Brenda’s life.
We choose to celebrate because, for the first time in 17 years, Brenda is cancer-free and no longer in pain.