Granton greenhouse to host wine night in memory of beloved co-owner

Brenda Schlinsog (Aug. 20, 1963–April 28, 2025) brightened many lives with her infectious smile and warm personality as she cared for customers at the local greenhouse she co-owned with her husband, Dusty. Now, a newly created charitable foundation will honor her memory by providing college scholarships.

Turn Pike Greenhouse, W2760 County Road H, Granton, will be the site of a wine night July 31 from 6:30–9:30 p.m. as a kickoff to the Brenda Jean Memorial Foundation. The event will feature wine, food, music, raffle baskets, a 50/50 raffle, and fireworks. All money raised will be donated to the foundation.

“Since Brenda got sick, we haven’t done any events. I wanted to do something in her honor. Brenda loved to party; she loved to have a wine night. So this seemed like the perfect event,” said Dusty Schlinsog, Brenda’s husband.

Notonlywilltheeventbringthecommunity together, but it will also support a good cause. The foundation will supply scholarships to be given annually to students in Clark County pursuing a degree in health care or medical-related fields. The Clark County Community Foundation will serve as the fiscal sponsor for the scholarship.

“It’s because of everything we went through with Brenda’s breast cancer. Originally when creating this, I had wanted to give the money specifically to a student going into oncology research. But in talking with the people at the foundation, they thought that might be a little too narrow, so we’re leaving it as the medical field. The idea is to help students so they can help more people… There are so many people who assist when somebody’s going through cancer, from a nurse to a CNAall the way up to being a doctor. We spent a lot of time at Marshfield Clinic when Brenda was going through her treatment. They always need more workers in the medical field,” said Dusty.

The event also reflects Brenda’s heart of service and giving back to the community, which she did regularly through supporting local schools’ agriculture programs, and donating to the Marshfield pet shelter or other causes throughout the years.

“For Brenda and I, the people part has been a big deal. Brenda’s always been really big into community service,” said Dusty.

He is hopeful that people will rally around the cause and take some time to enjoy a night of being together. More specifics of the night include the following:

•Meals for sale will include hors d’oeuvres, brats, and hot dogs.

•Temba Ridge Winery from Blair will be selling their handcrafted, Alsatian-style wines.

•The Balsam Road Ramblers will play music. The six-piece string band — including banjo, ukulele, and guitar — performs a range of country, Western, bluegrass, and gospel music. “It was a band she [Brenda] really liked. They will offer easy listening while people are enjoying food, a bonfire, and fellowship,” said Dusty.

•The greenhouse will be open during the event, selling houseplants and tropicals. One hundred percent of the plant sales will go to the Brenda Jean Memorial Foundation. Dusty will also be personally contributing funds.

•Raffle basket donations are still being accepted. To donate a prize, contact Dusty at 715-937-2584.

For more information, follow the “Brenda Jean Memorial Wine Night” event on Facebook.