Brenda McMahon

Brenda McMahon, age 57, of Big Stone City, SD, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Milbank Area Hospital - Avera Health in Milbank, SD.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ortonville, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. A private family burial will be held at a later date at Mound Cemetery in Ortonville.

Brenda Kay (Karels) McMahon was born the youngest of twelve children on July 13, 1967, to Daniel and Lucy (Wollschlager) Karels. As the baby of the family, Brenda brought boundless joy with her smile, determination, and outgoing spirit. She cherished her many memories growing up along the river with her siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Brenda graduated from Ortonville high school in 1985. It was during this time that she met Jerry McMahon. They united in marriage and went on to raise two children, Lucinda and Preston.

Throughout her career, Brenda was dedicated to numerous roles and made a lasting impact on everyone she met. She spent much of her childhood at the Ortonville Golf Clubhouse, a family-run establishment where she developed her love for cooking. Later, she worked at the Ortonville School, where she was deeply valued by students and colleagues alike. She had many roles during her time at the school, including coaching, serving as a creative paraprofessional, and working in the high school office. She was also known as the third-floor detention supervisor.

In 2001, Brenda founded Big Stone Lake Area Realty, a venture that allowed her to combine her entrepreneurial spirit with her passion for the community. Brenda met and married Jimmy Johnson. She continued to remain active in the real estate world, both through her own business and alongside her husband, Jimmy, in various real estate ventures, until her diagnosis with cancer in 2021.

Brenda loved glamping, gardening, happy hours, crafting, scrapbooking, organizing, hosting, and being in charge. Her greatest joy, however, was her family. As a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she treasured every moment spent with them. Being the go-to person in the family and the planner of all their adventures, she was always looking ahead—dreaming of their next vacation together, even before the current one had ended.

Brenda leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She is survived by her husband, Jimmy Johnson; children: Lucinda (Jason) Oakes of Minneapolis, MN, and Preston McMahon of Key Largo, FL; grandchildren: Wilson and Clara; stepchildren: Heather Johnson of International Falls, MN; and James Johnson of Roseau, MN; step-grandchildren: Oliver, Austin, Ava, and Jamie; siblings, Carol Cooper, Marge (Hank) Lubbesmeyer, Lori (Francis) Spors, Ceil (Ron) Hage, Johnny Karels, Mary (Greg) Peterson, Jimmy (Julie) Karels, Dennis (Karen) Karels, Janet Hedge; and numerous beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Lucy and Daniel Karels; brother, Michael Karels; and sister, Donna Johnson. In addition to several extended family members. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Grant County Area Cancer Organization:

It Only Takes a Spark: PO Box 105 – Milbank, SD 57216 http://takesaspark.org/