Breann Marie Schossow, of St. Paul, Minn., formerly of Ridgeway, Minn. passed away Monday, Oct. 5, 2020 surrounded by her loved ones. She was 31.
She was born on June 11, 1989, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wis. to Keith Schossow and Cindy Terrill of Ridgeway, the second of three daughters.
Breann grew up on the family farm in Ridgeway. She was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church, and attended Ridgeway Elementary School, Winona Senior High School and The University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire.
Breann always loved a good story and claimed she had the best job in the world as she got to tell other people’s stories as a journalist and producer.
Her career included stints as a general assignment reporter, a book researcher and public radio and podcast producer. She covered breaking news and had the opportunity to explore fascinating ideas while digging behind the headlines.
Recently she landed one of her favorite careers, working as an Associate Producer, for MPR News with Kerri Miller. It had always been a goal for her to work at Minnesota Public Radio, and while her time there was short, she enjoyed every day of it.
Breann held many titles throughout her short time here, but perhaps one of her favorites was Aunt to her sweet “Del”.
She loved a good intellectual conversation with friends and enjoyed listening to fiction podcasts, reading books about public policy, trying new recipes in her cast iron pan collection and spending time with family at the farm.
Breann was strong willed and always was seeking a new adventure, even when she was diagnosed with a very rare form of sarcoma cancer; Breann never gave up. She will be remembered by many for her poise, curiosity, professionalism, and charismatic smile.
Breann is preceded in death by her father Keith and her grandparents, Roy and Lavonne Schossow and Leeman and Florence Terrill. She is survived by her mother Cindy Terrill, of Ridgeway; Sisters, Amber and Chelsea (Lane); Niece, Delaney; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family and dear friends.

Funeral arrangement under the care of
Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home

Updated by : Chelsea Schossow

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October 17, 2020

Joy Cardin planted 10 trees

“In memory of Breann Schossow”

October 15, 2020

Frank and Katie Pellegrino sent flowers

“In loving memory of Breann Schossow, Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss.”

October 11, 2020

Chelsey Metcalf planted 10 trees

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October 9, 2020

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October 8, 2020

Marianne Combs planted 20 trees

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October 8, 2020

Tiffany Coggins planted 10 trees

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October 7, 2020

Cheryl Meyer lit a candle

October 7, 2020

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October 7, 2020

UW-Eau Claire Department of Communication and Journalism planted 10 trees

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October 7, 2020

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October 7, 2020

Debora Biasutti planted 10 trees

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13 people wrote a message from the heart

October 15, 2020

David Hon wrote a sympathy message

“Breann was a good friend of mine (David) in college at UW-Eau Claire and after. I always knew her as keenly intelligent, brave and kind - a rare combination. I will miss her very much. I'm sorry for the great loss to her family and friends. -David and Nikki Hon”

October 11, 2020

Barbara Arnold wrote a sympathy message

“In loving memory of Breann Schossow, She is the light and will always be the light.”

October 8, 2020

Jim Bickal wrote a sympathy message

“I only knew Breann for the short time that we worked together at MPR, but she was the kind of person who immediately impressed you with her compassion and competence. I recall overhearing her pre-interview potential guests over the phone and thinking how good she was at her job. My sympathy to her friends and family for the loss of this remarkable young woman.”

October 8, 2020

Jackson Schmidtke wrote a sympathy message

“Bre and I had a few journalism classes together and both worked in student media. She was someone I always looked up to and admired. She was a great mentor, fierce journalist, great drinking buddy, and above all an amazing person. I am so sorry for your loss as a family. Just know that Bre had a huge impact on many people and was a bright light in so many lives. Even though we hadn't seen each other in a while any time I saw her it was like no time had passed. She is going to be missed greatly.”

October 7, 2020

Dean Kallenbach wrote a sympathy message

“I advised student radio programming at UWEC when Breann, already an established print journalist, decided to give radio a try. The rest is history-she fell in love with the medium that took full advantage of her natural curiosity and warmth. She accomplished so much as a journalist, but she never lost what made her Breann. She was so proud of her family & her farm upbringing, and those roots formed her basic humanity, sensitivity, collegiality, with an underlying faith flowing through it all.”

October 7, 2020

Jan Larson wrote a sympathy message

“"The UW-Eau Claire Department of Communication and Journalism faculty and staff share in your deep sorrow. Bre was a force in the department. As Spectator Editor, SPJ president, Devroy Fellow -- whatever she turned her attention to gleamed with success because of her care. I appreciated her willingness to reach back and mentor students. She always treated life as the gift it is and devoted herself to her family and friends. Our hearts are broken for her mom, sisters, niece and all who loved her.”

October 7, 2020

ROSALIND GREIERT wrote a sympathy message

“I met Bre through work. We didn't directly work together, but anytime I saw her she always made a point to stop and chit chat with me. She treated me like I was an old friend even though we didn't know much about each other outside of work. She made me feel seen and heard, and was always so kind. I will cherish those moments I had with her. My heart goes out to all those she touched.”

October 7, 2020

Kemper Maas wrote a sympathy message

“Not long after we got to know each other as coworkers, Bre gave me her contact information. I noticed the familiar "507" area code immediately, which evolved into a mutual bonding over our rural Minnesota roots. We always talked about meeting up at her farm someday, which unfortunately never happened. Breann was one-of-a-kind, absolutely an amazing person, and I will miss her dearly.”

October 7, 2020

Leslie Damico wrote a sympathy message

“I knew Breann from college and shared many classes with her. She always amazed me at how passionate and determined she was. I am so sorry for the loss of such a young incredible person. She will be missed.”

October 7, 2020

Nick Hogan wrote a sympathy message

“Bre was the kind of best friend where if we didn't talk for months, as soon as we did, it was always all laughs, real talk, and love. We often spoke about what to do with where we were going... for her, WPR to JS to MPR and back. She always said "have the right regrets." I keep that in mind, always, as a guiding star. I miss her dearly, and my condolences to all those whose lives she touched.”

October 7, 2020

Christie Taylor wrote a sympathy message

“Breann always called me "dearie" (we were similar ages) and constantly asked if she could help me when I was stuck working late. She was so kind it was hard to believe sometimes. I keep looking at her most recent Facebook profile picture, post-chemo, in amazing lipstick as usual, and somehow her smile never, ever changed. What a time to lose such a person. My deepest condolences to everyone who knew her.”

October 7, 2020

Mark Riechers wrote a sympathy message

“Breann was an inspiring leader and incredibly generous, kind colleague. She’s the kind of person who makes you believe in the high ideals of an organization—she represented the very best in people. I’m so sorry for this tremendous loss.”