Kay Brennan, age 78, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Friday, May 1, 2026, at Nebraska Methodist Hospital in Omaha, NE. Kay was born April 12, 1948, in Estherville, IA, the daughter of Orville and Vivian Wiener.

Kay’s life touched many in the Red Oak community. She was known for her kindness, sense of humor, strength, charity work, and her decades of dedication as a beloved elementary teacher at Nishna Valley, where she taught for over 30 years before retiring. Her unwavering love for her children, grandchildren, and friends was at the center of everything she did.

She loved her many road trips to Colorado to visit Matt, Gio, and Kassidy—trips always filled with adventure, whether browsing flea markets, standing atop Pikes Peak, or driving through the Rocky Mountains. She never turned down a late-night gaming session with Matt. She shared a love of art and creativity with Ashlyn and enjoyed thrifting for knickknacks together. During Kassidy’s visits to Red Oak, the two spent countless hours in their recliners, talking whimsical nonsense and somehow never running out of things to say.

Kay and Melanie had their cherished Saturday morning ritual of coffee over the phone and playing Wordle—always agreeing to “just one more” for hours. Kay and Melissa also spent countless hours together in Red Oak—attending sorority events, sharing wonderful holiday meals, enjoying pool and hot tub time, and, of course, finding plenty of opportunities to put Wade to work on projects around the house. Kay often joked that she finally figured out why Dawson always lingered by her side when it was time to leave: he was waiting for his hug from Grandma before he could go.

She loved going to Friday night bowling to cheer on Missy, Wade, Dawson, and Reagan, proudly claiming her enthusiastic cheering improved their scores. If you ever rode in a car with Kay, you likely hit every red light. And if she let you drive, you’d see her white-knuckled grip—she trusted no one’s driving but her own. She adored her sorority sisters and all the fun, laughter-filled activities they shared. She also loved going to the lake for sunshine and kayaking. And let’s not forget her love for cats.

Those who knew her will remember that she lived life to the fullest. Even during difficult times, her humor had a way of cutting through the heaviness and reminding everyone that joy was still possible. Her presence was unforgettable.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Vivian Wiener; her siblings Darrel Wiener, Dale Wiener, Ivan Wiener, Connie Wiener, and Kent Malone; and her daughter, Michelle “Mikey” Henrich.

She is survived by her children Melissa Byers and her husband Wade, Matt Henrich and his wife Gio, and Melanie Henrich; her grandchildren Kassidy Regan Henrich, Dawson Culver, and Ashlyn Saliny; and her siblings Gary Wiener, Karen Tuntus, and Kevin Scott. She is also survived by many close friends who will forever cherish her memory.

However you knew her—whether as Mom, Grandma, or friend—please know she carried deep love in her heart for you. And while she is no longer with us in physical form, her spirit continues to watch over you, still bringing joy in the quiet, everyday moments.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel. Visitation with the family will be held from 5-7 PM Friday, May 8, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.