Denise Mathson Obituary

Denise Kay Leffingwell Mathson, age 65, of Black River Falls, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at her home on June 22, 2025.
Denise was born on August 8, 1959, in Black River Falls to Jack and Sandra Leffingwell. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1977 and spent her life working in a variety of roles that reflected her deep care for others-from helping in her father's restaurant, to working at Ashley Furniture, to earning her CNA license and dedicating herself to working with the elderly.
Denise had a special gift for bringing laughter and joy to those she cared for, especially during her time as a caretaker for her beloved Grampa Manny-a role that brought comfort and support to her Gramma and the entire family.
In recent years, despite the challenges of declining health, Denise's greatest joy and motivation came from time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her favorite moments were family gatherings-cookouts, bonfires, and time together with the people she loved most. Her pride in her family was unmatched, and nothing lit up her face like talking about little Alaia and Bentley.
Those who knew Denise will remember her vibrant personality and infectious sense of humor. She had a gift for making others laugh and found purpose in bringing joy to the people around her. Through life's hardships, she never lost her love for laughter-or her love for people. Denise was deeply grateful for the unwavering friendship and support of her dear friend and confidant, Julie Blackdeer, whose presence was a true blessing in her life.
Denise is survived by her sons, Travis Anderson and Bradley Brownlee; her grandchildren, Gabriel Leffingwell, Arianah (Edwin) Lopez, Juan Luis Lopez, and Cecylia (Devin) Mendoza Navarro; and her great-grandchildren, Alaia Kay Olmos and Bentley Roland Newell. She is also survived by her siblings: Jackie (Todd) McKevitt, Michael (Nicole) Laufenberg, Jodi (Tom) Anderson, Jenell (Paul) Daily, Mark (Sheri) Laufenberg, Kristina (Mike) Huddleston, Kathy Hanson, and Mike Rand; son-in-law Fabian Lopez; nieces and nephews Ericka (Trent) Cole, Nick (Samantha) McKevitt, Jose Martinez, Derek Papenfus, and Kayla (Josh) Loew; and extended family including Aunt Lavonne Chung and Uncles Alan Halverson and Thom Reed.
She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Amanda Lopez; her sister Sally Leffingwell Martinez; her parents, Jack Leffingwell and Sandra Simonson Laufenberg; her stepparents Donna Hulsey and Gerald Laufenberg; and her grandparents Margaret Simonson Lowe and Walter Simonson.
Denise faced more than her fair share of challenges in life, but she will be remembered most for the love she gave, her determination to keep going, and her incredible ability to make others smile. Her legacy lives on in the hearts and laughter of her children, grandchildren, and all those blessed to know her.
Services will be arranged by the family at a later date and time