Brent E. Agnew

Brent E. Agnew, 74, of Chippewa Falls, died Friday, January 19, 2024, surrounded by family at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Chippewa Falls, following complications from a stroke.

He was born September 16, 1949, in Chippewa Falls to Frank and Germaine (Rhyner) Agnew.  He graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 1968. Following high school he served in the U.S. Navy as a missile technician from 1968 until his honorable discharge as Petty Officer 1^st Class on July 3, 1978.

Brent graduated from tech school before taking classes at UW-Stout for electronics. He worked for 14 years for Cray Research as an electrical engineer, and also for Marshfield Clinic in their IT department until his retirement following a stroke in 2010. He co-owned and operated Grand Slam USA with his brother, Kim, in Lake Hallie. 

On November 1, 1980, he married Lu Ann Lane.   Over the years he spent much of his time coaching their children in baseball and softball.  He loved watching WI sports – Packers, Badgers, Brewers – always with a Leinenkugel’s in his hand. His favorite activities were watching his children and grandchildren play sports. He also loved to rent a cabin up north with friends and family.

Brent is survived by his wife, Lu Ann; best friend and son, Justin (Christina) Agnew; baby girl and daughter, Nicole (Andrew) Nelson; 2 beautiful granddaughters, Allison Jane and Payton Autumn Agnew; 2 handsome grandsons, Griffin Donald and Braxton Andrew Nelson; brother, Kim (Char) Agnew; sisters, Chela (Dennis) Scheilder and Lori (James Ottum) Agnew; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Brenda (Robert) Gaier.

Visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m., Thursday, FEBRUARY 1 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls. A funeral service will follow at 5 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Aaron Sturgis officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council. 

A private family interment will be held at a later date at the Northern WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner.