Brayden Mathis
Brayden J. Mathis, 22, of Lansing died Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI. Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 25 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing, with Fr. Joseph Sevcik officiating. Burial was at Gethsemane Catholic Cemetery in Lansing. Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home in Lansing handled the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to honor Brayden’s memory.
Brayden was a vibrant soul who brought joy and laughter to everyone he encountered. His infectious sense of humor and comedic spirit could light up any room, making even the toughest days a little brighter.
Brayden James Mathis was born February 13, 2003, in La Crosse, WI, the son of Steven Mathis and Dana Welsh. He attended Kee High School in Lansing, where he graduated in 2022. Throughout his high school years, he enjoyed playing baseball, basketball, running track and cross country, and participating in speech and drama.
Brayden’s passion for the outdoors was only rivaled by his love for his family. He was a devoted son, brother, and friend, always putting the needs of his loved ones before his own. Though he often struggled to listen when his mother asked him to take out the trash and wash the dishes, his playful defiance was just one of the many quirks that made him so endearing. His infectious smile and warm heart touched the lives of everyone he met, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In a testament to his generous spirit, Brayden chose to be an organ donor. Even in his passing, he has given the gift of life to others in need, a decision that reflects his caring nature and desire to help those around him. His legacy will continue through the lives he has impacted, reminding us all of the importance of compassion and kindness.
Brayden is survived by his loving parents, Steven Mathis and Dana Welsh; his siblings: Malerie (Lucas Lashock), Claudia (Aaron Peckham), Keirsten (George Glass), Madison (Dustin Harrington), and Dawson (TBD); his paternal grandfather, Jerry Mathis; his maternal grandmother, Betty Welsh; his aunts and uncles: Debra Welsh, Diane (Randy) Ruth, Denise (Tim) Pavlovec, Jayme (Gloria) Welsh, Dawn (Rich) Kuster, Rick (Julie) Welsh, Danette (Dwight) Jones, Deanna Gerholdt, Danielle (Jason) Howe, Dacia (Jason) Sommer, Lance Welsh, Destiny (Leo) Teixeira, Julie (Wayne) Knight and Maryann (Jeff) Gramlich; and a host of cousins who will all carry his memory in their hearts forever.
He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Aloysius “Lloyd” Welsh; his paternal grandmother, Karen Mathis; and an uncle, Andy Welsh.
Rest in peace, Brayden. Your spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved you.
Casketbearers were Jayme Welsh, Rick Welsh, Lance Welsh, Jeff Gramlich, Landon Reams, and Noah Diersen. Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
