Brenda Janelle Vahling

Brenda Janelle Vahling, 60, of Stewardson, Illinois passed away at 4:23 pm, Sunday, October 15, 2023 at her home in Stewardson.

Brenda was born on July 17, 1963 in Effingham, Illinois the daughter of Robert J. and Catherine (Waldhoff) Flood. She married Dennis Vahling on October 3, 1981 at the St. Aloysius Catholic Church and they shared 42 years of marriage.

Brenda began her professional journey as a dedicated homemaker, nurturing her family with love and kindness. Later, she embarked on a new adventure with her husband, owning and operating Vahling Vineyards for over two decades. The vineyard and winery was not just a business for Brenda; it was an extension of her passion and love for nature and people. She was also a true homemaker having raised and provided for 5 children.

Brenda had a heart full of hobbies that she pursued with enthusiasm. She found solace in quilting and crocheting, creating beautiful pieces that were a testament to her creativity and patience. She also had a green thumb and loved gardening. The sight of her big garden blooming with flowers and fresh produce was one of her greatest joys. However, her true passion lay in working in the Winery, where she loved to meet and greet all the people who would come, creating an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie.

Brenda was also known for her culinary skills. She was a wonderful cook and took immense pleasure in sharing her delicious recipes with her grandchildren. Her kitchen was a place of learning, bonding, and countless happy memories for her family. Brenda was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shumway, Illinois.

Brenda is survived by her devoted husband, Dennis Vahling of Stewardson, Illinois; children, Jody (Eric) Westendorf of Mason, Illinois, Keith (Emily) Vahling of West Union, Illinois, Bruce (Lindsey) Vahling of Urbana, Illinois, Brian (Jen) Vahling of Lerna, Illinois, and John Vahling of Oblong, Illinois. Brenda was also the proud grandmother of eleven grandchildren: Sammy, Jake, Lizzy, Annie, Jackie Westendorf, Ben, Charlie, Savannah, Maddie, Allaina, and James Vahling, along with several foster grandchildren who added to the joy and warmth of her life. She is also survived by her siblings; Mary (Vince) Klingler of Mason, Illinois, Evelyn (John) Schabbing of Teutopolis, Illinois, Linda (Paul) Ruesken of Effingham, Illinois, David (Joyce) Flood of Dieterich, Illinois, Diane (Steve) Schabbing of Teutopolis, Illinois, Eileen (Joe) Vahling of Teutopolis, Illinois, Karen (Gary) Ludwig of Sigel, Illinois, Paul (Tonya) Flood of Dieterich, Illinois, and Glen (Amber) Flood of Dieterich, Illinois.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services to celebrate Brenda's life will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, October 20, 2023 at Vahling Vineyards with Pastor Kelly Carruthers officiating. Burial will follow the service at the Stewardson Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday evening at Vahling Vineyards where friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, and then on Friday from 10:00 to 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Brenda's memory to an Education Fund for her Grandchildren. The McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville, Illinois is entrusted with the care and arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or share a memory of Brenda, please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com.