Brenda was born on April 16th, 1949, to Harold and Arlene (Handorf) Bohnsack, of Marshalltown. She graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1967. Later that same year she attended MCC and eventually UNI.

On July 2nd, 1970, she was united in marriage to James Walkup and the two made their home in Marshalltown. She began as a stay-at-home mom raising her two sons. Once they started school she began working as a paraprofessional at Rogers Elementary School and eventually as the school secretary. She retired after 30 plus years at Rogers and enjoyed being a part of so many children’s lives and seeing them grow.

Brenda’s grandkids put the sparkle in her eye. She loved traveling to watch and encourage them with their sports and school activities and spending precious time with them. She also enjoyed following and regularly attended many of the activities of her nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephewsÃ-concerts, recitals, games and birthdays. One of Brenda’s favorite hobbies was spending weekends on the garage sale circuit. She enjoyed shopping and finding that little treasure or bargain.

Brenda will be forever loved and her memory will be cherished by her husband James, of Marshalltown; sons Troy Walkup, of Marshalltown, and Trent (Jennifer) Walkup, of Des Moines; grandsons, Gavin and Max Walkup; her sisters Ardelle (Terry) Downey, of Marshalltown, and Beth (Tracy) Mack, of Carlock, IL; brothers Marlyn (June) McCrary, of Marshalltown, and Jerry (Marian) Bohnsack, of Colorado Springs, CO; and brothers-in-law John (Connie) Walkup, of Georgetown, Texas, and John Studts, of Marshalltown, as well as many adoring cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

In death Brenda rejoined her parents.