Brent Wholeben Obituary

Dr. Brent E. Wholeben

July 7, 1946 ~ July 18, 2025

Age ~ 79

Dr. Brent E. Wholeben of Minocqua, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 18th, 2025, at Rennes Health and Rehab Center in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, at the age of 79. Born on July 7th, 1946, in Olean, New York, Brent found his final home and his peace in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. 

Brent was a loving husband and a devoted father and grandfather. He also was a teacher, counselor, scholar, and researcher who received degrees from Saint Bonaventure University, the University of Hawaii, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He began his professional career as a high school math teacher and counselor in New York, Hawaii, and Montana. He went on to become Professor of Education at the University of Washington, the University of Texas at El Paso, and Northern Illinois University (NIU). He served as the Assistant Dean of Education at NIU, and at the time of his retirement was Director of the Office of Research, Evaluation, and Policy Studies (REPS) at NIU. The work of the REPS Office was his proudest professional accomplishment. He published numerous books and research articles. He delivered papers at national and international conferences and was the chief evaluator on several federal grants. 

Brent was a proud U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War with the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He served in the Blackhorse 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and was honorably discharged in 1970. Brent was a member of the Lakeland Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7898. His VFW hat, whether worn or on display, was a constant reminder of the importance he placed on his military service. 

Brent lived with integrity, humor, loyalty, generosity, and a faith in God. Throughout his personal life and career, he developed many deep and lasting friendships. He will be reunited in Paradise with many of these friends and beloved family members. He is mourned by his wife Belinda, his children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and friends from around the country and the world. 

Brent’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, CNAs, and other staff who provided skilled and compassionate care over the course of his long illness. Especially thanked are the staff of Marshfield Medical Centers, Aspirus Hospital-Rhinelander, Compassus Home Health and Hospice, and, most of all, Rennes Health and Rehab Center-Rhinelander. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bonaventure Parish in Allegany, New York, on Monday, August 4, 2025, at 10:00AM, with graveside services following at St. Bonaventure Cemetery, with military honors accorded. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on his behalf to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.