William Colin Brennan (Skip) born May 31, 1942, died peacefully on March 26, 2024. Skip was a dreamer and accomplished much in his life. He was an innovative businessman, adventurer, family man, and friend to many.
After graduating from Loras College in 1964, Skip married Sandra Burkhalter and together they had seven children.
Skip worked at Brennan’s Country Farm Market alongside his father Frank in Monroe for 10 years. In 1967, he bought his first property in Madison, on University Avenue. In the 50 years of owning Brennan’s, he expanded to additional locations in Madison, Brookfield, Oconomowoc & New Glarus. Skip’s passion for the business led him to travel the world in search of the best Wine, Cheese, Produce and other specialty items to attract new customers. He met many characters and friends along the way.
In 2007, Skip suffered a bicycle accident and became a paraplegic. With the love and support of his family and significant other, Mary Hamilton, he persevered and led a full life. Over the years, Skip had excellent caregivers for whom the family are very grateful, particularly Micah Thorp who was for the last two years his primary caregiver.
After his accident, Skip created a special place at his river property on Dill Road. His red brick trails allowed him to explore the land in his wheelchair, while his cats Smokey & Bandit followed. The Sunflower patch he planted each summer brought joy to many throughout Green County. Dill Road became a clubhouse for his friends to gather for college reunions, euchre, fishing, pontoon rides and best of all, banter.
Skip is survived by Mary Hamilton. He is further survived by Sandra Brennan and his children, Kerry (Michael) Ernster, Annie Brennan, Dolly (Todd) Schluesche, Tim (June) Brennan, Chrissy (Michael) Boyce, Erin (Darin) Buhlmann. Forever cherished and remembered by his twelve grandchildren, Alexander (Alexandra) Ernster, Thomas Ernster, Michael Ernster, Mack Ernster, Madeline Schluesche, Jack Schluesche, Henry Schluesche, Elizabeth Brennan, Allison Brennan, Brennan Boyce, James Boyce, and Raegun Buhlmann. Siblings and their families; Francis (Pat) Brennan, Susanne German, Janeen Garcia, and Marilynn Brennan. Skip was preceded in death by his parent’s Frank and Sarah Brennan, sister, Sara Ripp, brother, Michael Brennan, and infant daughter, Mary Colleen.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, April 6 at St. Clare of Assisi Parish in St. Victor Catholic Church with Fr. Chahm Gahang as celebrant. A private burial will follow in Calvery Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7pm on Friday, April 5 at the church. Memorials will be given in Skip’s honor to St. Victor School.
Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family.
