It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Brenda Ann Plain of Sac City, IA — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
What follows is not the whole story, but a thread of it.
Brenda spent her working life as ['waitress in various restaurants'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
The heart keeps better records than the calendar.
Brenda Plain
Born: September 29, 1962 Died: April 24, 2026 Age: 63
Brenda Plain, age 63 of Sac City, IA, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 24, 2026, at her home. Brenda Ann Johnson was born on September 29, 1962, in Sioux City, IA, to Russell and Judith (Fischer) Johnson. She spent her early years in Sioux City before moving with her family to Webster City, where she attended school. In 1987, her parents relocated to Sac City, and Brenda would later make her home there as well.
On March 1, 1986, Brenda was united in marriage to Dennis Plain. They were blessed with three daughters: Kari, Misty, and Nicole. They raised their family in Sac City until 2006, when they moved to Webster City. In the fall of 2025, Brenda and Dennis returned to Sac City.
Throughout her adult life, Brenda was a hardworking and creative woman. She owned and operated several small businesses and also worked as a waitress in various restaurants. She had a deep love for crafting and spent countless hours enjoying needlework, crocheting, quilting, diamond art, and many other creative pursuits-often sharing these moments with her daughters. In recent years, she especially enjoyed collecting quilting supplies and faithfully tuned in every Wednesday night to "The Quilted Cow" on Facebook, where she loved shopping for supplies. Those who knew her understood that Wednesday nights were reserved just for that.
Brenda had an impressive quilt collection, many lovingly gathered over the years by Dennis during his travels. She had a passion for music, enjoyed attending concerts, and liked spending time at casinos. She was a devoted fan of the Denver Broncos and loved being outdoors, often keeping a close eye on the weather-earning her reputation as the family meteorologist.
Family was at the center of Brenda's life. She loved fiercely and raised her daughters to be strong, independent women who could take care of themselves. She cherished time spent with her family, whether it was watching The Price Is Right with Dennis, keeping up with her favorite soap operas, or making annual Black Friday shopping trips with her girls-always starting in the early hours of the morning. Branson, Missouri, held a special place in her heart, as it was a favorite destination for family trips over the years.
Brenda was incredibly proud of her daughters and of course her grandchildren, whom she lovingly referred to as her "six-pack." She had a feisty spirit and a quick wit, traits that endeared her to those who knew her best. Dennis often joked that one of her favorite pastimes was keeping him in line-something he will deeply miss, along with her laughter, love, and presence.
Brenda will be remembered for her strong spirit, her creativity, her humor, and the deep love she had for her family. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, and unforgettable memories.
She leaves behind her husband of forty years, Dennis Plain of Sac City; daughters Kari (Mike) Friedmann of Sac City, Misty (Archie) Mackay of Sac City, and Nicole Plain (Nate) of Manson, IA; grandchildren: Makenzie Friedmann, Kasey Friedmann, Caiden Ayers, Brooklyn Duffy, Daytona Duffy, and Colton Plain; other extended grandchildren; mother Judy Johnson of Sac City; sister Deb Peterson of Sac City; brother Steve (Kim) Johnson of Webster City; sisters-in-law Tracy Johnson of Webster City and Darla Heller of Story City, IA; her beloved pup Bailey; many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.
Brenda was preceded in death by her father, Russell Johnson; brothers Scott and Brian Johnson; maternal and paternal grandparents, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and beloved pets.
Tribute Video
Memorial Service 7:00 p.m., Tuesday May 5, 2026 Farber & Otteman Funeral Home Sac City, Iowa
*Service will be live streamed on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FarberOttemanFuneralHomes
OFFICIATING
Reverend Mark MacWhorter
VISITATION
5:00-6:45 p.m., Tuesday May 5, 2026 Farber & Otteman Funeral Home Sac City, Iowa
Farber & Otteman Funeral Homes & Cremation Center 1120 W. Main St. Sac City, IA 50583 712-662-7135 info@farberotteman.com
