Brendan Mathew Stevenson

Brendan Mathew Stevenson, a cherished husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away on August 29, 2024 after a valiant fight with cancer. Brendan was born July 26, 1974 to Ben and Brenda Stevenson in Osage, IA. He was the first person from his family to graduate from college earning his BA in accounting from St. John's University. He quickly rose through the ranks at Hormel Foods to become the Controller/Treasure for their international business in China. He did this by always saying yes to opportunities presented to him even when they seemed daunting. A lesson he would repeat and teach throughout his life.
Brendan met Andrew Shimek in 2002 and quickly developed a deep and profound connection. They shared a mutual conviction and ambition in their relationship, careers, and desire to have children. They welcomed Bella Stevenson-Shimek into the world in 2007 and Harper Stevenson-Shimek sixteen months later in 2008.
Brendan continued to be widely successful in his career, including a leadership role in finance at Thomson Reuters and a beloved stint in finance at Nike. He always held his family as the one priority - from moving to Portland and Connecticut to ultimately deciding to take on the most important role of his life - full time Dad. Giving up a career may have given other's pause, but Brendan never flinched knowing he had arrived at his true calling. He spent the last 10 years dedicated to ensuring his daughters transformed into the beautiful young women they are today.
Brendan was a devout Hawkeye fan throughout his life and went on to become a passionate Red Knight fan never missing a daughters' game at Benilde St. Margarets. He also loved traveling and his trips with Andrew, the girls, and their parents were some of his favorites. Brendan led with a frankness and honesty that cut to the core and made you know exactly where you stood. He had a wicked and occasionally dark sense of humor that Andrew and the girls will forever cherish. More than anything Brendan loved spending time with his family.
Brendan is survived by his husband Andrew, his children Bella and Harper, his mother Brenda, his brothers Jared and Jamie. Brendan is preceded in death by his father Ben.
Visitation with Brendan's family will be held at Washburn-McReavy Werness Brothers Chapel, 2300 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington, MN 55431 on Saturday, September 7, from 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM with a short service beginning at 11:00 AM. A celebration of Brendan's life will be held at the family's home at 3:00 PM that afternoon. Brendan would want you to wear what makes you comfortable for both events.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Trevor Project, an organization that helps LGBTQ students thrive. www.thetrevorproject.org.