Brenda L. Lawler
Monday, December 20, 1954
Date of Death:
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Age:
70 years old
Monday, December 20, 1954
Date of Death:
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Age:
70 years old
Monday, December 20, 1954
Date of Death:
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Age:
70 years old
Brenda L. Lawler
Brenda Louise (Selbitschka) Lawler, beloved mother, friend, and grandmother, peacefully passed away at the age of 70, on August 16, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital Rochester, surrounded by her family.
She goes home to her Lord in victory after a courageous battle with ALS.
Brenda was born on December 20, 1954 in Rochester, MN to Bernard and Mary Selbitschka, to a family of 10 children. Her family then moved to North Saint Paul, where she finished high school.
On November 14, 1981, Brenda married Steve Lawler and raised 4 “fairly adequate” sons: Andrew, Joseph, Anthony, and Daniel. Brenda and Steve were blessed with 43 years of marriage and 9 grandchildren.
Brenda is survived by her husband Steve; their four sons Andrew (Danielle), Joseph (Tiffany), Anthony (Brianna), and Daniel (Samantha); grandchildren Aubrey, Ava, Lyvia, Luke, Brielle, Landen and Declan, Sutton, and Blair; eight brothers and sisters: Jennifer Piccolo, Bernard Selbitschka Jr., Pam (Kevin) Riley, Brian Selbitschka, Debbie (Jeff) Mischnick, Thomas Selbitchka, Monica (Greg) LeMay, and Todd Selbitschka.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister Colette.
Brenda earned a two-year nursing degree while raising her four boys, and spent most of her career in nursing facilities, group homes, and providing home care in the community. She concluded her career in education as a paraprofessional.
A Celebration of Life for Brenda will be held at Grace Community Church (311 Carolann Street, Eyota, MN 55934) on Thursday, August 21, 2025 starting at 11:00AM. Visitation will be begin at 9:30AM prior to the service, at Grace Community Church in Eyota. Following the service, the Lawler family invites all to a luncheon gathering at the church. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Rochester, MN.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the ALS Association at ALS.org or to Grace Community Church, Eyota, MN for their support and profound impact on Brenda’s life.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
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Condolences
The family of Brenda L. Lawler has received the following condolences.
Dear Steve and family,
Sending you all my sincere condolences and hugs for healing with your loss of Brenda. I am sure you are familiar with the book “ Tuesdays with Morrie”. I find comfort in his explanation that “ death ends a life, not a relationship. As long as we can love each other and remember the feeling we had, we can die without ever really going away. All the love you created is still there. All the memories are still there. You live on in the hearts of everyone you have touched and nurtured while you were here.” Brenda will always be a part of your life and live on through you and your memories.
Rita (Sell) Marquardt
Steve and Lawler family- You are in my thoughts and prayers. My mom( Mary Trusty) loved you and Brenda. I think maybe you were in a Bible study together. Brenda used to clean for my neighbor so we ran into each other and would chat. So sweet. Take care of each other. We will all be together one day and what a celebration! Hope to see you soon. Love, Jeanne
My deepest sympathy for you. Losing a loved one is never easy.
i remember Brenda as being kind, funny and a loving mother and wife. She loved all her boys. She, as well as each of you, must have also been strong and tough. Going through ALS is never easy. My heart hurts for all of you.
Treasure your memories. They will comfort you now and forever. Brenda’s love for you will always be there. I will pray for Brenda and each of you and that you may find peace even as your hearts break.
My condolences to you all,
Teresa Silker
Dear Steve and family, Both Terry and I are saddened to learn of your wife's passing. Although we never had the pleasure of meeting her, we do know you quite well and can only imagine that she was a great and wonderful woman to be married to such a nice guy like you! May God's love and peace surround you all as you navigate this transitional time in your lives. Sending you our love and prayers.
Cindy and Terry Hamilton
Sending my love and condolences to Brenda's family. I knew Brenda and her family through the Catholic Youth Center in our young adult days. Brenda and her sister Pam and I became close friends and also got to know some of the other family members. As the years passed, we lost touch but never in my memory. I have nothing but wonderful, beautiful memories of our time together. When I think of Brenda I see her beautiful smile, laughter and her love of God. Thank you for being a part of my life, dear Brenda! My heartfelt love and sympathies to you all.
Steve,
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family as you mourn the loss of your beautiful wife and mother. May she rest in peace.
Steve and family, Martha wrote to let me know of Brenda’s death. I am so very sorry. No matter the circumstances we can never be ready for the death of one so deeply loved. You and your family have all of my sympathy. I know that the days to come will be hard. Please take good care of yourself.
Aunt Brenda was always there for me after every hip surgery at the mayo clinic and I remember her sneaking me bottles of chocolate milk even though I was too old for them. I'm thankful I had such a caring and kind woman in my life. She was always a great example of faith and generosity and she will be missed dearly.
Brenda you really are a great sister but most of all my friend. You will always have a special place in my heart. You will be truly missed. I love you.
A woman of courage, determination and service. We are better for having known you Brenda. Grateful peace has come to you. Laurie Fellows
Steve and Family sorry for the lose of your wife and mother of your sons. Deepest sympathies. .
I was fortunate to be one of Brenda's brothers. Watching her fight the battle with ALS was hard at times. I know she was struggling but she always had a smile when people would come to visit her. I personally happy and relieved for her and Steve and the boys. Her pain and struggles are now over, and she's with her Lord and Savior, and is at peace.