Brenda Joyce “T’aasaraguwiga-Fiery Sword” Brown

Brenda Joyce “T’aasaraguwiga-Fiery Sword” Brown, 81, passed away March 12, 2023, at home
surrounded by her loved ones. She was born in the town of Komensky in Black River Falls, WI. She was
born to Henry and Melinda Greengrass. She married Lee Brown, Jr on February 14, 1995.
Brenda spent her time creating many memories doing what she loved such as: traveling, fishing,
beading, making shawls, playing bingo, and slots. She also loved to cook for all family get togethers and
for our traditional ways. Her best role was being a Nani and Gaga.
Her employment consisted of many positions within the Ho-Chunk Nation which she retired from in
2003 as an Executive Administrative Assistant. She served on the Ho-Chunk Nation Tribal Enrollment
committee for many years. She was a lifetime member of Andrew Blackhawk Auxiliary Post 129. She
also was a volunteer to PERS services at Black River Memorial hospital. She was a founding member of
the Ho-Chunk Safety Patrol and where she became the Payroll Clerk.
She is survived by her daughter Laurie (Steven) Zimmerman from Tuttle, OK and son, Lee “Chuck”
(Melinda) Brown III; her grandchildren, Fonda (Edward) Blackdeer, Skylar Zimmerman and Whitney
Zimmerman, Clayton Wamego, Ryan Wamego, Zyanna Deloney, Ella Brown, Lynissa Greyhair, Lariah
Greyhair and Kylie Greyhair and Xavion; great-grandchildren, Silas, Renley and Owen Zimmerman, Rylee
Wamego, Oriana White Thunder, Rozelle Wamego, Sire White Thunder and Raydon Wamego. Her
siblings, Leona McKee, Doug Greengrass, Christina LaMere, and Pinkah Greengrass and many nieces,
nephews and extended family.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Melinda Greengrass, her infant son and daughter,
Renee Louise Wentz; her brothers, Maynard Greengrass, Charles Greengrass, Kenneth Littlegeorge and
Roy Greengrass. And sisters, Henrietta Greengrass, Marcy Ann Patton, and Betty Jane White.
Traditional funeral services will be held at HCN District 1 Community Center, N. 7261 Warrior Avenue,
Black River Falls, WI with JoAnn Jones officiating. Visitation will be on Monday, March 13, 2023, from 4-
6 p.m. at Buswell funeral home. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Visitation will be
from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Burial services will follow at Decorah cemetery.
The Buswell funeral home of Black River Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.