Mike Bren passed away January 8th, 2016 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was born to Charles and Mary Bren December 7th, 1927 in Ogema, MN. The family moved to Sprague, WA in 1937.
Mike entered the US Army in October of 1946. He completed basic training at Ft. Bliss, TX. He was enlisted from 1946-1948, his service included a 15 month tour to Seoul, Korea. He then joined the reserves and served in the Quarter Masters Supply Unit in Ft. Ord, CA during the Korean War.
After his honorable discharge from the Army, Mike worked for the Milwaukee Railroad in Othello, then the Odessa Trading Company, and finally Krehbiel Motors (later Loomis Truck & Tractor) as a diesel mechanic until his retirement in 1993.
Mike was married to Virginia Lee Wright in 1953, and they were blessed with two sons. They moved to Lind, WA in 1958 and were divorced in 1970. In his final years, Mike took comfort in his friendship with Janet Rasmussen.
Mike enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing all over Washington, Montana, and Alaska.
He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Mary Bren, brothers Paul, Frank, Jerry and Delmer Bren, sister Pauline Hanley, grandson Matthew Bren, great-grandson Dominic Perry, daughter-in-law Donna Bren, and long-time companion Susan Panter.
He leaves behind his son Frank Bren, of Lind, WA, son Kenneth (Darla) Bren of Sedona, AZ, brother Ted (Lavone) Bren of Waitsburg, WA, six grand-children, ten great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
A celebration of his life is being planned for this spring. Memorial donations may be made to the Lind Fire Department.