Maureen McElderry

life story

Loving wife to Johann • dear friend to many

For a singer who devoted herself to the great old country songs of love gone wrong, her own heart formed lasting friendships of love gone right. She made order out of the violent chaos that cancer imposed on her, and took precious time she had left to say a long and proper goodby that excluded no one.

Our dear Maureen

Country Music Interpreter of Nashville’s Golden Age, Member of the June Apple Musicians Co-op and a Well-Spoken Friend Of Many Who Led With Her Heart

Maureen Marvel McElderry age 77 of Duluth and Minneapolis, Minnesota, left her earthly stage on December 31, 2022.

Her passing was peaceful, and her new journey began in the company of her loving husband Johann Brentrup, and several close friends.

She is preceded in death by her father Maurice Marvel McElderry, her mother Thyra Matilda McElderry (née Carlson) her brothers Charles Emil, and Eugene “Gene” William McElderry, and survived by her husband and many cousins and nephews in Minnesota, Illinois, and Alabama.

Ms. McElderry lived in Duluth as a child, and her father who was an engineer and inventor would sometimes work at home in the evenings. She would sneak downstairs to be with him and they would listen to country music together late into the night. Those evenings formed a lifelong love for the early greats of country music like Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, and others— and when Ms. McElderry moved to Minneapolis in the 1970’s she started performing and singing professionally in the coffeehouses and cafes on the West Bank.

Her concerts, honed by hours of rehearsal, were a study in clarity and interpretation. Her voice; a subtle vibrato; perfectly captured the songs she chose, and matched the deep tone woods of her big Martin guitar.

Ms. McElderry was part of the fabled June Apple Musician’s Co-op; a group of young musicians and songwriters that included Bill Hinkley and Judy Larson, Pop Wagner and Bob Bovee, Charlie Maguire, Dakota Dave Hull and Sean Blackburn, Bob Douglas,Tom Lieberman and Jerry Rau. As they did and continue to do with each other, they helped to provide musical expertise and guiding support for her album “A Fool Such As I”.

Her financial options as an artist were by nature uncertain, so she took other lines of work; becoming a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal service, and another long stint in building maintenance. These choices sometimes necessitated time away from the stage, but afforded her a tasteful and comfortable lifestyle that was truly her own.

For a singer who devoted herself to the great old country songs of love gone wrong, her own heart formed lasting friendships of love gone right. She made order out of the violent chaos that cancer imposed on her, and took precious time she had left to say a long and proper goodby that excluded no one.

Her passing—resonant, and lasting as her singing, has prompted her family to ask that they be given time alone to appreciate her fond farewell. There is a promise however, to stay in touch regarding a future Maureen McElderry encore gathering and observance.

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Obituary from the Twin Cities StarTribune 1/15/23

Maureen Marvel McElderry, 77 passed away at her home in Minneapolis, MN on Dec 31, 2022 from cancer. She died peacefully surrounded by her husband and several dear friends. She is preceded in death by her father, Maurice Marvel McElderry and her mother, Thyra Matilda McElderry (nee Carlson), and her brothers Charles Emil and Eugene ‘Gene’ William McElderry. She is survived by her loving husband Johann Brentrup, many cousins and nephews in Minnesota, Illinois and Alabama and scores of dear friends in Minnesota and elsewhere. Services and plans are pending. The family asks for some privacy at this time.

memorial service

Celebrating and Remembering Maureen and Johann

November 23, 2024

Celtic Junction Arts Center 836 Prior Ave N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA

SPEND PRECIOUS TIME: On November 23, 7-10pm at CELTIC JUNCTION (836 Prior Avenue, Saint Paul) celebrating the lives of Maureen McElderry and Johann (Hans) Brentrup, with songs and stories from a community of artists and friends who knew and loved them.

A slide show prepared by Johann’s sister, Maria Lichter of Sparta, Wisconsin will be shown at the beginning of the evening.

Musicians and speakers will include Pop Wagner, Nancy Meeden, Tim Hennessy, Bob Bovee, Dakota Dave Hull, Bob Bjorke, Papa John Kolstad & Bill Smith, Tim Sparks, Rob Coleman & Dan Hansen, John Ashton & Bill Smith and Charlie Maguire.

The program will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person. For updates on the live-stream link please send an email to:

popwagner@mac.com

After the program there will be time to visit, play music and see a display of photos, guitars and mandolins built by Johann and other memorabilia.

Light snacks will be served.