Glen Dwayne Bren passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at the Hospice Cottage at the Veterans Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at the age of 87.
Memorial services have been set for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, at Ascension Lutheran Church, Brookings, SD. Memorial Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday Febr. 17, at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings, SD.
Glen Dwayne Bren was born March 12, 1938, to Olaf and Edna (Thompson) Bren on the family farm near Toronto, South Dakota. He was baptized and confirmed at Leganger Lutheran Church. He attended a one-room schoolhouse and was the only one from his class to go on to college, graduating from White High School in 1956. He was a very athletic student. He served in the United States Air Force, stationed in Texas and Upper Heyford, England, and was honorably discharged in October 1960.
Glen later earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and a Master of Education in Social Studies from South Dakota State University. In 1971, he began a career as a truck driver with Midwest Trucking, traveling through 48 states of the United States and many parts of Canada. He worked for many years at East Central Mental Health as a counselor during which he touched many lives and helped numerous people lead better lives for themselves. Over the years, he also worked for 3M, Rick’s Ready Mix, SD Department of Transportation, and Carquest Auto Parts, remaining active in the workforce until age 82. He had a deep love for music that developed from his early years singing at church. Later, he was the lead singer and guitarist in his band called “Prairie Express.” He was an avid racing and car enthusiast who later built his own Classic Ford T-Bucket. He enjoyed working on cars, gardening, caring for his cats, and solving puzzles.
On Jan. 4, 1974, Glen married the love of his life, Vickie. They shared many devoted years together until her passing in December 2011. Glen was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He cherished his daughter, Melissa, and took great pride in his grandchildren and great-grandchild.
Glen is survived by his daughter, Melissa (Kevin) Lucas of Brookings, South Dakota; grandchildren, Jerimiah (Becky) Phillips of Hohhot, China, Mia (Cherryl) Ouma of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Kelsie (Tyler) Frederickson of Brookings, South Dakota; great-grandson Carter Lucas of Brookings; sister-in-law JoAnne Bren of Brookings; bonus daughters, Shelia Stotz of Sinai, South Dakota and Kristi Sundet-Cline of Arizona; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Vickie; brothers, Don and Dale Bren; and grandchildren, Cassie Lucas and Christopher Lucas.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.
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