Kenneth J Brzezinski, commonly known as Kenny, passed away on February 12, 2026 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital with Jane at his side. Born on December 2, 1955, he leaves behind a legacy filled with love, laughter and cherished memories. He was a spunky soul who lived life with a sense of adventure and enthusiasm.

An alumni of DC Everest and a proud graduate of UW Oshkosh with a Bachelor’s degree in Art and Business he worked at Kraft, Zimpro, Spector Freight, Schoeneman Truck Sales and as an owner operator for Dairyland Transport before establishing The Auto Cell in 1987. Kenny was proud to have his small car dealership featured in a video by the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles Dealer Division as an example of a well-run business. Throughout his career he was known for his honesty and engaging personality and took pride in the connections he built with his many repeat customers.

A man of boundless energy, humor and curiosity, he loved airplanes and was a dedicated “car guy”, especially hot rods and race cars. Kenny loved trout fishing and hunting and when his ability to partake in these activities was taken from him, he found joy in feeding the birds and critters that came to visit his yard. His winters spent in Astor, FL since 2011 brought him much happiness, where he embraced the sun, warmth and fishing on the St John’s River. He took advantage of every opportunity to be outdoors whether it was yard work or the many other projects he tackled. He owned many Harleys throughout his lifetime, though “The wind in his hair and the bugs in his teeth” came to a stop when his doctor told him it was the end of his riding days.

While wintering in Astor, he and Jane had three memorable years working at Daytona International Speedway for the Rolex, Speed Weeks and Bike Week where he enjoyed being surrounded by people, fast cars and motorcycles. They shared adventures and met many interesting people from many countries.

His battle with lung cancer, diagnosed in 2024 after beating bladder cancer in 2017, presented a new challenge. Despite the hardships, Kenny remained grateful for the care he received, personally thanking each doctor and nurse on his medical team at Aspirus and the Mayo Clinic even amidst difficult news. He had a special appreciation for Dr. Amy Sweet who he said saved his life more than once during his health trials and was always there when he needed help or advice. 

Friendships meant the world to him and he was always eager to know about the lives of people he met, listening intently and remembering the details of their experiences and journeys.

Even in the face of adversity, in spite of all he lost, Kenny kept a positive attitude and cherished the support of family and a large network of good friends who helped him along the way.

He leaves behind his wife Jane (Heahlke), sisters Bonita (Scott) Paulson and Susan (Frank) Altman; sisters-in-law/brothers-in-law Kathy (John) Zimmerman, Mary (Gary) Kiedrowski and Sarah (Randy) Tacker; mother-in-law Gladys Heahlke; sister-in-law Lynn Brzezinski and many nieces and nephews whom he was very proud of.

He was preceded in death by his father Wallace Brzezinski, mother Esther (Ostrowski) Brzezinski, brothers James and Donald Brzezinski, sister Julianne Rivard and nephews Jonathan Paulson and Kory Ambroziak, alongside his father-in-law Lawrence Heahlke.

Wherever Kenny and Donnie are now they are surely up to some sort of shenanigans and Jonathan will enthusiastically join his uncles.

Despite all that cancer took from him, he wished to contribute his body to medical research-sadly he did not meet the criteria in the end.

A celebration of Kenny’s life will take place at Wiggly Field, 2005 Schofield Avenue, Schofield on February 22, 2026 from 11am-2pm as friends and family gather to share stories, laughter, food and perhaps a few beverages.

Kenny’s favorite quote from Paul Shane Spear reminds us to treat others with kindness and genuine interest:

“As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person.”

Although Kenny has departed this world, he would hope we cherish each moment and reach out to one another with love, kindness and humor.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care is assisting the family with arrangements. You may sign the family guestbook at www.ascendweston.org.