Theresa Lynn Bronnenberg

Theresa Lynn Bronnenberg, age 62, of Dawson, passed away peacefully at her home after a courageous, 7-year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by the love of her family.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home – Perry Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, also at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home – Perry Chapel. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in rural Perry. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa in honor of Theresa. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Theresa was born on October 10th, 1963 in Des Moines, Iowa, to Tommy and Alyce Jr. Dillon. Theresa graduated from Tech High School in 1982, where she was active in school life as a member of the band and a wrestling cheerleader. Following high school, she attended DMACC, studying Business Management and earning an Associate of Arts degree. In 1985, she married Randy Bronnenberg and made Perry, Iowa, her home. She quickly became a familiar face in the community. She worked at Jobgen's Shoe Store, where her warm personality and genuine kindness left a lasting impression on customers and coworkers alike. She later worked in the bakery at Hy-Vee, that allowed her to share love of baking with others. 

Theresa and Randy raised two children together, Nicholas and Allyson Bronnenberg. She loved her children beyond measure, and loved spending time with them. Even after the heartbreaking loss of her son, her love for him remained a constant part of her heart. Family was at the center of Theresa’s life, and she cherished every moment spent with those she loved. In 2010, Theresa reconnected with her childhood friend, Willie Brown. What began as a renewed friendship blossomed into a deep and loving partnership. Together they shared adventures, laughter, and unwavering support through life's joys and challenges. Willie became her constant companion, best friend, and partner, and they remained devoted to one another for the remainder of their time together. Theresa's entrepreneurial spirit and love of food led her and Willie to open Brown's Pizzeria in Perry, shortly after switching locations to Madrid. The restaurant became a beloved gathering place where Theresa could share her passion for cooking, baking, and bringing people together.

Throughout her career, Theresa also worked for the Perry Community School District in various roles, including the kitchen, library, and as a paraprofessional. She especially loved working with children and took great pride in making a difference in their lives.

Theresa was known for her kind and compassionate heart, her wonderful sense of humor, and her willingness to stand up for others. Whether advocating for a child who needed support, helping a friend through a difficult time, or speaking up when something wasn't right, she never hesitated to be a voice for those who needed one. She had a gift for making people laugh and could brighten even the hardest days with her quick wit and infectious smile and laughter. Theresa enjoyed crafting, reading, cooking, baking, shopping, spending time outdoors, having Harry Potter movie marathons, and caring for her beloved Great Danes. She had a gift for making others laugh and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Nick Bronnenberg; her grandparents, Alyce and Beryl Hatfield and Ruth and Henry Dillon.

She is survived by her parents Tommy and Alyce Jr. Dillon of Des Moines, Iowa; her daughter, Ally Bronnenberg (Grant Whelchel) of Dawson, Iowa; her brother, Thomas Dillon (Michelle) of Des Moines, Iowa and Other Half, Willie Brown of Dawson, Iowa, along with extended family members, friends, former coworkers, and students whose lives were touched by her kindness.

Theresa will be remembered for the love she shared, the laughter she brought into every room, and the unwavering way she stood up for the people she cared about. Her legacy lives on in the family, friends, students, and community members whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.