Scott Brende

Scott Brende age 64, of Renner, SD, passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM, Monday, August 26, 2024, at Renner Lutheran Church in Renner, SD with Rev. Laura Phillips officiating. Burial will follow at East Nidaros Church Cemetery rural Baltic, SD.

Visitation with family present will be Sunday, August 25th from 5 :00 PM – 7:00 PM at Renner Lutheran Church in Renner.

The United States Air Force will provide full military honors at the cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Scott’s name to the Renner Lutheran Church.

Scott was born October 25, 1959, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Elmer (LaBelle) Brende Jr. He graduated from Washington High School. In 1985 he was united in marriage to Sandra Austin. Scott’s life was defined by his deep love for his family and his unwavering dedication to those he cared about. A devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, Scott took every opportunity to bring his family together, often over a new recipe he was eager to try on the grill or smoker. Raised in Renner, SD, alongside his three siblings, Scott remained deeply connected to his roots, spending most of his life in the community he cherished. He took every opportunity to volunteer – including serving as a member of the Baltic School Board, the Minnehaha Funeral Home board, and the Renner Lutheran Church board. Winters, however, were joyfully spent in Florida with his wife, where they relished golfing, strolling along the beach, and exploring what they affectionately called their "home away from home."

Scott often referred to himself as a “company man.” He joined the United States Air Force – Air National Guard in 1986 and proudly served his country for 30 years, where he said he had the best job in the world getting to work around dedicated people and the coolest jets. His first stop was San Antonio, TX, Lackland Airforce Base for basic training and then onto Keesler Airforce Base in Biloxi, MS, for technical training. He worked as a communications specialist and earned the rank of Master Sergeant for the South Dakota Air National Guard before retiring in 2016. Upon retirement, Scott found a new community at Rocky Run Golf Course in Dell Rapids, SD. He thrived there, forming new friendships and sharing not only his love for golf, but also his infectious positivity and fun-spirited nature with everyone he met.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sandy Brende of Renner, SD; sons, Jordan Brende of Sioux Falls, SD, Evan Brende of Lincoln, NE and Ethan Brende of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter, Jenna Brende of Lincoln, NE; sisters, Shawn Wilson and Shanna Brende; brother, Brett (Kelly) Brende; nephews, Asher (Madde) Hoberg, Austin, Noah and Cooper Brende.

Scott’s family and friends will remember him fondly as a bright light in their lives. His kindness, laid-back attitude, and witty humor made every day a good day.

Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and LaBelle; brother-in-law, Pierce Wilson; parents-in-law, Eugene and Eleanora Austin; uncle and aunt, Donald and Barbara Marquart, and aunt, Karen Pierret.