Amanda Marie “Mandi” Haremza, 45, of Altoona, Wisconsin, passed away tragically on October 13, 2026, alongside her beloved son, Rylan, her mother, Mary Brion, and her sister, Kayla Turpin, in a plane crash in Sauk County, Wisconsin. Her sudden passing has left her family, friends, and community facing an unimaginable loss. Mandi’s life was defined by her devotion to the people she loved, her generous heart, and the countless ways she made others feel supported and cared for.
Born on June 22, 1981, in Wabasha, Minnesota, Mandi was the daughter of David “Dave” Brion and Mary Brion. She attended Alma Area Schools, graduating in 1999, where she participated in volleyball, basketball, and track and field. She later continued her education at Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, earning an associate degree in Health Information Technology in 2001. Throughout her career, she served medical facilities across the Eau Claire area, including spending many years with OakLeaf Clinics.
Above all, Mandi was a devoted wife and mother. She married Lee Haremza on February 7, 2014, and together they built a loving family. She took immense pride in her boys and made it a priority to be present for their activities, whether football, wrestling, hockey, or another new interest. Her family knew they could count on her encouragement and support, and she embraced every opportunity to celebrate their achievements and create memories together.
Mandi also had a strong sense of adventure and loved making memories with family and friends. Whether traveling to the beach, hiking, attending concerts, or taking spontaneous trips, she welcomed opportunities to enjoy life with the people closest to her. Those who knew her remembered her kindness, compassion, generosity, and willingness to show up for others without hesitation. Her passing leaves a tremendous void, particularly for her husband, Lee, and the family she loved so deeply.
Funeral services for Mandi and her son Rylan are scheduled for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Jacob’s Well Church, 989 122nd Street, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Visitation is planned for Monday, October 19, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with an additional visitation one hour before the service on Tuesday. A private family burial will follow. As loved ones gather to remember Mandi, may they find strength in one another and comfort in the memories of a woman whose life was marked by love, loyalty, and care for others.
