Sgt. Joshua Charles Brennan

Brennan, Sgt. Joshua Charles ONTARIO, ORE./ MCFARLAND - Sergeant Joshua Charles Brennan, age 22, was killed on Friday, Oct. 26, 2007, in a combat mission in Asadabad, Afghanistan. Joshua was born on May 30, 1985, in El Paso, Texas, to Janice Gates of Ontario, Ore. and Michael Brennan of McFarland. Joshua attended high school in Ontario, graduating in 2003. He spent his summers living with his father in McFarland. Soon after graduation, Joshua enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a paratrooper with the renowned 173rd Airborne Infantry Brigade. This was his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. Joshua was awarded the Bronze Star for valor on his first tour of duty. He also received a Purple Heart after being shot in the leg in August 2007. Joshua is survived by his mother, Janice (Jason) Gates of Ontario, Ore.; father, Michael (Michelle) Brennan of McFarland; his brother, Robert; sisters, Jessica, Courtney and Brooke of Ontario and Christina and Brittany of McFarland; and his grandparents, Chuck and Mara Lee Stoffers of Concord, Calif., Victor Baker of Carson City, Nev., Mary Ellen Brennan of Fitchburg, Diane Richel of Madison and Jim (Ann) Richel of Marshfield. Other survivors include uncles and aunts, Terry (Laurie) Brennan of Mequon, Tom (Robbin) Brennan of DeForest, Margaret (Larry) Lewallen of Goshen, Ind., John Brennan of West Allis, Joe (Laurie) Brennan of Slinger, Mindy (Lloyd) Phillips of Belvidere, Ill., Melissa Richel of Waukegan, Ill., Laurie Summers of Parker, Colo. and her two children, Audrey and Charlie, Aaron (Lidia) Stoffers of Oregon City, Ore. and son, Jack, Jill (Salama) Salama of Monterey, Calif.; and very special friends, Jared (Niki) Cutler and daughter, Alex of Ontario, Ore. Joshua is also survived by many cousins, special relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Robert Brennan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave., Madison, at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007, with Monsignor Michael Burke, Father Mike Richel and Father D. Stephen Smith concelebrating. Burial will follow at McFarland Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Monona from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., with a prayer service at 3:45 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 5, 2007, and at the church from 8 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. A memorial fund has been set up in the name of Sergeant Joshua Brennan at the Associated Bank, 5220 Farwell St., McFarland. Joshua died a hero to his family and his country. He will be dearly missed by all.