David Lee Brenholt

1940 - 2026

David Lee Brenholt

April 25, 1940 - January 20, 2026

David Lee Brenholt, age 85, of Menomonie, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and was welcomed into heaven.

David was born on April 25, 1940, to Richard and Gilma (Berg) Brenholt. He grew up in the Chetek area and graduated from Chetek High School in 1958, where he was recognized as an all-star athlete.

In August of 1964, David married Judy Kuns. Together they raised three children. Judy preceded him in death in 1997. He later married Rita (Whitney) Cropp in 2004 at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie.

David earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Stout. He proudly served in the United States Army for more than five years, including three years of active duty. He completed jump school and served with the 101st Airborne Division and the Army Rangers, stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

A lifelong learner and innovator, David founded Translab, a technology company in Menomonie. He was an inventor at heart, constantly envisioning new ways to solve problems through engineering, and held 13 patents with the U.S. Patent Office. He enjoyed a long teaching career, first at a technical school and later at UW–Stout, where he influenced countless students. He also co-founded the STEPS Program and played an integral role in helping thousands of young women pursue careers in STEM fields.

David was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association. One of his greatest joys was earning his pilot's license and flying his 1946 Aeronca Champ airplane.

David is survived by his wife, Rita (Whitney) Cropp; his children, Leland Brenholt, Michael (Bethany) Brenholt, and Sarah (Robert) Zech; his grandchildren, Nathan Glaus, Brian Glaus, Matthew Glaus, Megan Glaus, Sophia Angeline Newman, and Gabriel Ayres (Darcey) Newman; his brother, Wayne (Marilyn) Brenholt; his sister-in-law, Audrey Brenholt; and many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Judy Brenholt (Kuns); his parents, Richard and Gilma Brenholt; and his brother, Larry Brenholt.

David was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, educator, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie, Wisconsin, with Pastor August Hohl officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, as well as one hour prior to the service on Monday. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Menomonie, Wisconsin, with military honors performed by the Menomonie Veterans Honor Guard.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com