Merle Robert Brenden
November 20, 2020 ~ November 23, 1929
Merle R. Brenden, 90, was received into the embrace of our Lord on Friday, November 20, 2020. He was a resident of Dell Rapids Nursing at the time of his death.
Merle’s cremains will reside in the columbarium at Velda Rose United Methodist Church in Mesa, Arizona. Memorial services are pending.
Merle Robert Brenden was born in Vienna, South Dakota, on November 23, 1929, to Olaf and Agnes Brenden. He was one of 12 children. He spent his early years helping his parents and siblings on the farm.
Merle married Anna Marie Siebrands on November 5, 1949. After farming in the area for several years, the couple moved to Sioux Falls in 1956. Merle worked for Sunshine Foods until 1975, when they moved to Lake Poinsett, SD, where they owned and operated a car crushing business.
After retirement, they divided their time between South Dakota, Nebraska, and Mesa, Arizona. They moved to Mesa full-time in 2000. In 2017, they moved to Rapid City, SD, and eventually back home to Sioux Falls, SD.
Merle will be remembered for his love and dedication to his wife and family, (this included nieces and nephews as well,) an incredible work ethic, and his quiet unassuming presence.
Merle is survived by three children, Nyla (Terry) Hostin, of Mesa, AZ, Merlin (Bonnie) Brenden, of Valley Springs, SD, and Connie (Marv) Harmsen, of Gilbert, AZ; 7 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; a sister, Alyce Siebrands, and a brother Lloyd (Dorothy) Brenden.
Merle was preceded in death by his wife, and his parents.
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