Haley Brenneke

Haley Brenneke, 29, of Jefferson City, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.
She was born August 11, 1995, in Jefferson City, Missouri. She is survived by her mother, Carla Mooney-Linhardt, step-father, Anthony Linhardt, her father Wayne Brenneke, step-mom Mindy, her brother, Jared Brenneke (Kristen), step-sister, Tara Stover, her nieces, Andie Jo and Blaire, nephew Bennett and her great-grandmother, Janette Brenneke. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Charles and Millie Mooney, and Bernard Brenneke.
In her early years she attended the Special Learning Center and later graduated from H. Kenneth Kirchner State School in 2016. After graduation she worked at Capitol Projects Inc. for a few years and then transitioned to an adult day habilitation program, Day Solutions, Inc. which she referred to as "work." She strived to meet social, emotional, and educational goals as well as actively participate in the community. At Day Solutions she developed several relationships with her peers and special relationships with the staff.
From the moment Haley entered this world, she was a fighter-a true warrior wrapped in grace, courage, and unwavering strength. Despite facing more battles than most could ever imagine, including four open-heart surgeries, two pacemakers, and a relentless fight against leukemia, she never lost her radiant smile, her unshakable spirit, or the love she so freely gave to all who knew her. Despite being given little hope of long-term survival, Haley defied the odds, earning the title of a "walking miracle" from her doctors. Though she spent many days receiving care at St. Louis Children's Hospital and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, she lived a joyful life and taught those around her to do the same. She embraced happiness in the smallest moments and was known for her strength, determination, empathy, wit, stubbornness, and boundless compassion. No matter how difficult the struggle was, Haley worked tirelessly to achieve her milestones.
She found joy in karaoke, listening to her favorite bands, watching movies, eating sushi, and above all, Friday "coffee" days. She was fortunate to have special friendships and girlfriends who shared their time with her. Above all, her family devoted themselves to her happiness, ensuring that despite her struggles, she could continue moving forward with love and support.
Loved beyond measure, Haley taught her family invaluable lessons about unconditional love and the beauty of the present moment. She brought a unique joy that could only be felt in her presence. Haley was an incredible human being, and the story of her journey will forever inspire her friends and family.
In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in Haley's honor to Day Solutions – Jefferson City.
Friends will be received from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors in Jefferson City, Missouri. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos, Missouri with Rev. Kelechi Uzuegbu as celebrant.
Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main St.; Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com