Robert "Rob" Stanley Brenda, 63, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021.
He was born on Feb. 14, 1958, in La Porte to the late Stanley John and Peggy Ann (Hoare) Brenda.
Rob was a field agent with Farm Bureau for 36 years and had also worked in marketing with Serve-Pro and insurance with J & B Roofing and Construction. He graduated from La Porte High School in 1976 where he was the catcher on the State Champion Baseball Team. He was proudly the Captain of the La Porte Icers hockey team during his high school years. He attended Vincennes University and graduated from Indiana University in 1981 with a Bachelor of Art degree in sports management. He was a member of the Polish Falcons in La Porte and grew up attending Holy Family Parish, St. Peter Church. He loved all things La Porte Slicers!
Rob was a man of many passions. He loved sports, especially the Boston Bruins, St. Louis Cardinals, and all things Notre Dame. He golfed, fished, scuba dived, camped, mountain biked, snow and water skied. In his retirement he enjoyed gardening and baking cakes and pies. How lucky were you if you received one of his masterpieces. Above all Rob was known and loved by all for his graciousness in every life situation. He was kind, loving, wise, forgiving, outgoing, adventurous, and had an amazing sense of humor. He would want you all to know he trusted his God through all his life blessings, trials and tribulations.
On July 18, 2014, Rob married Patti Hanna, who survives with his children, Kate (Collin Arndt) Brenda of Valparaiso, Indiana, and Drew Brenda of La Porte; a step-daughter, Hanna Johnson of La Porte; children of second marriage loved by him, Victor Splix, Victoria Clabaugh and Melissa Splix; a granddaughter, Cora Arndt; and siblings, John Brenda of Arlington, Texas, Kevin (Le) Brenda of Modesto, California, Paul (Sandi) Brenda of La Porte, Teresa Butler of California, Sr. Mary Brenda O.P. of Houston, Texas, Steve (Suong) Brenda of Belgrade, Maine, Joe Brenda of La Porte and Annie (John) Cunningham of Marshall, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 17, 2021, at Holy Family Parish, St. Peter Church, 1101 Michigan Avenue, La Porte, Indiana. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. on Friday in the funeral home. Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to La Porte High School Athletic Department, 602 F. Street, La Porte, Indiana, 46350.
Please share prayers, condolences and memories with the family at EsslingFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Jeff Apple
October 9, 2021
Just read this, I had no clue of Rob’s passing.
A true gentleman, he’ll certainly be missed.
Steve Snyder
September 13, 2021
Known Rob for over 50 years... Played Little League together and trout fished together the past couple years. Rob was truly one of the nicest guys I ever knew, and one heck of an athlete. Loved his humor too. R.I.P. my friend.
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