Brenda Louise Duncan

Brenda Louise Duncan, 76, found peace with her Lord and Savior on April 30th, 2026, following a difficult battle with Dementia. Before this cruel illness claimed her memories and her abilities; Brenda was an avid world traveler, a faithful volunteer in the community, a lover of card games and puzzles (both literal and figurative), and was incredibly generous to all who had the blessing of calling her “friend.” She invested her time and passion into her kids, grandkids, young families in ministry, those experiencing housing insecurity, and several young women she mentored. She was a loving partner to her husband and best friend, Bob, and the memories they made over 58 years will be cherished.

Born on July 30, 1949, to John and Dolores (Gorsy) Nelson of Red Wing, MN; Brenda was the youngest of three girls and was known for her humor and dramatic flair as she pursued her love of theater performance. She met Bob Duncan at St. Cloud State while getting her Associates Degree in Accounting and – after getting married on August 14, 1971 - went on to become an Airforce bride. She started her family with Jennifer Lynne in Omaha, NE and completed their family with Kristina Marie in Bloomington, MN. Brenda learned the love of travel as the family of four took many adventures via the skies. Brenda worked and served in several business administrative roles throughout her career but always looked for opportunities to use her theater background to share laughter and love with everyone in her path. Brenda had a generous heart and a great sense of humor – an infectious combo that blessed so many.

Brenda is survived by her sister Linda Wiebusch (Baxter MN); husband Bob Duncan (Littleton, CO), eldest daughter Jenn [& Charley] Swanson (Stillwater, MN), younger daughter Kris [& Matt] Thulson (Littleton, CO); and three grandkids: Orpheus Swanson, and Liam and Isla Thulson. She was preceded in passing by her parents John and Gorsy Nelson (Red Wing, MN) and her sister Laurie Thomas (Pepin, WI).

There will be two celebrations of Brenda’s life that will take place in Colorado (May 28th) and in Minnesota (July 9th). Her Colorado service will take place at South Fellowship Church (6560 S. Broadway, Littleton) on Thursday, May 28th at 1pm (with reception to follow). The Minnesota Celebration will take place at Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel (1 Tower Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55450) on Thursday, July 9th Noon-2pm. 

In lieu of flowers; the family requests that donations be made to Love INC of Littleton, Bethel Atlanta, Bethel Atlanta - BASSM School or Breakthrough Ministries (in Minneapolis, MN) in Brenda’s name.

Brenda’s favorite Bible verse was 1 Corinthians 10:13. It speaks of the ability to endure through trials because of God’s faithfulness and grace to help us meet every challenge we face. As Brenda faced her final days with grace and with God’s tender presence; we find comfort that she is now in perfect health and eternal peace with her Savior.