Stephanie Marie Brandt

Stephanie Marie Brandt, 34, of Sullivan, WI passed away in the early hours of November 1, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Stephanie was a bright, determined, and compassionate soul whose strength and courage inspired everyone who knew her. Throughout her life, she faced significant medical challenges due to Loeys-Dietz Syndrome with incredible resilience, grace, and humor. Her most recent surgery in July was yet another reminder of the fight and spirit that defined her life and her ability to regularly defy the odds.

Stephanie had a special gift caring for animals. She grew up surrounded by pets of every kind (sugar gliders, chinchillas, hedgehogs, turtles, guinea pigs, and more), always finding joy in caring for the world around her. That compassion became her life's work.

For over a decade, Stephanie poured her energy into the Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) before joining the Wildlife In Need Center (WINC), expanding her focus from domestic to wild animals. She cherished every creature who found their way to WINC, sometimes even through Stephanie's own roadside rescues.

Through her tender care and compassion for the most fragile creatures, she helped save countless lives and, just as importantly, trained others with her specialized knowledge so that her impact will continue moving forward far beyond her own work. Her genuine compassion, quiet strength, and instinctive understanding of animals left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside her.

Outside of work, Stephanie found joy in the simplest moments like caring for her beloved pets and many foster kittens; soaking in the beauty of the outdoors while kayaking, hiking, or relaxing at the beach; decorating her home; and spending time with her family and friends.

Stephanie is survived by her father, Ken Brandt of New Berlin; her mother, Cindy (Jim) Bonkowski of Oconomowoc; her sister, Sarah (Joshua) Walters of Monona; her stepbrother, Jimmy (Brooke) Bonkowski of Sussex; her four treasured pets Theo, Kota, Peach, and Rigley; and many family members and friends who will forever hold her in their hearts. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Inez Nelson; her uncles, Kenny and Rick Nelson; and her beloved pets, Barley and Kiara.

A celebration of Stephanie's life will be held on November 20, 2025 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church (S66 W14325 W Janesville Rd, Muskego, WI 53150). A visitation will take place from 12:30pm - 2:30pm with a service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Stephanie's honor to the Wildlife In Need Center or The Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation.

Stephanie will be remembered for her courage, her quick wit, and the love she shared with both people and animals. Her heart may have been tested time and again, but it was also one of the biggest and strongest of all.