Obituary

Brenna Renee Cole-Pickrel
Brenna Renee Cole-Pickrel

February 3, 1993 - October 2, 2024
Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Resided in San Antonio, Texas
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Obituary

Brenna Renee Cole-Pickrel was born February 3rd, 1993, and died October 2nd, 2024, at the age of 31. On a bright Sunday afternoon, Brenna was jogging with her dog Daisy when she was tragically struck by oncoming traffic while using a crosswalk. She is survived by her husband Kane Pickrel, parents Tom and Linda Cole; brother Adam Cole, his wife Myriah, and nephew Winston; and sister Lindsey Cole.

Brenna's life was a testament to excellence and faith. Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, she grew up in Central Iowa, surrounded by family and friends who valued serving others. Annual vacations at Lake Okoboji became a cherished family tradition. Brenna's intellectual gifts shined early, as she graduated valedictorian from Southeast Polk High School before continuing her academic journey at Baylor University. There, she graduated summa cum laude from Baylor University with a degree in Mathematics, a minor in Spanish, and was awarded Baylor ROTC’s highest honors. Brenna never rested. When an opportunity to experience something new or enrich herself was available, she took advantage of it. For example, when there was a gap between graduation and active duty, she spent a month walking the Camino De Santiago across Spain. From there she embarked on her military career, beginning her first assignment at Keesler AFB (MS) and eventually Nellis AFB (NV) where she learned the foundations of leadership, military strategy, and serving her fellow wingmen. Pursuing her career goals, Brenna studied at the Air Force Institute of Technology, earning a Master's in Cyber Operations with distinguished honors and conducted research in quantum computing. At Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (TX), she began a highly selective program that resulted in her leading a strategic operations team that has an important role in national security. Her professional achievements were matched only by her vibrant spirit and boundless compassion. Brenna poured into others in every aspect of life, whether volunteering, engaging in sports, leading Bible studies, or mentoring fellow Airmen. She radiated joy and kindness to all she encountered, from close friends and family to perfect strangers. Above all, Brenna will be remembered for her unwavering faith and profound commitment to Jesus Christ, which permeated every facet of her existence. She set and maintained the highest standards in her career and personal life, always guided by her deep spiritual convictions. Her legacy is one of intellectual brilliance, selfless service, and an unshakeable faith that inspired all who knew her.

The family is working to establish a long-term plan for memorials to Brenna. More information about this effort will be communicated soon. Thank you for your support.

Please join us in commemorating Brenna’s exceptional life at the following events.

Celebration of Life
Date and Time: Saturday October 5th, 3:00pm to 6:00pm
3:00 PM - Visitation
4:00 PM - Celebration of Life Service
Livestream: https://livestream.com/accounts/17095020/events/11187118

Visitation
Date and Time: Friday October 11th, 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Location:
Oakwood United Methodist Church
400 NE 56th St, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327

Funeral Service
Date and Time: Saturday October 12th, 10:00am
Location:
Oakwood United Methodist Church
400 NE 56th St, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327

Burial Service
Date and Time: Saturday October 12th, 3:00pm
Location:
Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery
3430 W 4th St, Waterloo, IA 50701

Brenna's funeral service will be live streamed on the Iles website. Go to www.ilescares.com just before 10:00am Saturday and scroll to the bottom of her obituary for the link to join the service.

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Guestbook

Services

Visitation
Oakwood United Methodist Church
400 NE 56th Street
Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
Friday, October 11, 2024
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
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Service
Oakwood United Methodist Church
400 NE 56th Street
Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
Saturday, October 12, 2024
10:00 AM
Burial
Memorial Park Cemetery
3430 West 4th Street
Waterloo, IA US
Saturday, October 12, 2024
3:00 PM
- Show more -

Charities

A memorial fund has been established.