The Genoa City, Wisconsin, community is mourning the untimely death of beloved Brookwood Elementary School principal and longtime coach, Luke Braden.
Luke Braden passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with colon and liver cancer, leaving his family and loved ones devastated.
A native of Wisconsin, Luke was a cherished member of the sports community and touched the lives of numerous students and young athletes with his decades-long career as a teacher and coach.
Luke Braden, a proud 1996 graduate of Badger High School in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, excelled in multiple sports.
He further continued his athletic and academic journey at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, from which Luke earned his B.S. in Kinesiology and Exercise Science in 2001.
While at the University of Wisconsin, Luke Braden played in the UW Men’s Club Volleyball Team.
He later went on to become a teacher and junior varsity wrestling coach at his alma mater, Bader High School, leading his team in several victories.
Luke Braden Began His Educational Career at Brookwood Middle School
In addition to excelling in his career as a coach, Luke Braden also thrived in his career as an educator, inspiring and motivating numerous students.
He began his educational career as a physical education teacher at Brookwood Middle School in 2001 and served in that position until 2005.
In 2005, Braden joined Wilmont Union High School as a physical education teacher and went on to serve in his position for eight years.
While serving as a teacher at Wilmont, Luke also earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Aurora University in 2009, and in 2013, he was promoted to associate principal at Wilmont Union High School.
Beyond his teaching career at Wilmont, Luke Braden also became the varsity volleyball coach for the Wilmont volleyball team.
Furthermore, in 2017, Braden returned to Genoa City Schools and became the principal of Brookwood Elementary School, a position he held until his recent passing.
Braden’s contribution to the Wisconsin community as an exceptional coach and teacher will always be remembered.
Many of his loved ones are sharing Luke’s memories on social media and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
One wrote:
“Our thoughts and prayers go to the Braden Family. Luke and I started our careers together in education along with coaching JV Wrestling. You will be missed my brother.”
Badger Wrestling
Another added:
“Luke Braden, you were kind and genuine everyday. You will be missed always and are gone too soon. Rest in Love.”
Rebecca Ahnert
Luke Braden is survived by his longtime wife, Pam, their four children, Cody, Allison, Blake, and Drew, and the entire family. His family will soon provide details about his funeral and memorial services.
