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BORN
1953
DIED
2021
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Steven Brennen Obituary
Columbus - Steven R. Brennen, 67, of Columbus, OH passed away on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus. He was born May 25, 1953 in Fremont, the son of Russell and Ann (Murray) Brennen. He was a 1971 graduate of St. Joseph Central Catholic High School and received a master's degree in public administration from Ohio State University. He also studied at Oxford in England.
Steven was Deputy Chief of Staff under Mayor Greg Lashutka in Columbus, OH. He was the Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Economic Development Administration Department of Commerce during President Regan's administration. Steven was the Executive Director of National Small Business Advisory Council during the President George H. Bush administration. Steven loved politics and was an avid OSU fan.
Steven is survived by his mother, Ann Brennen and brother, Terry (Lisa) Brennen both of Fremont, OH; niece and nephew, Sean Brennen, Columbus, OH and Kelli Brennen, Maumee, OH.
He was preceded in death by his father, Russell Brennen and brother, Fr. John Brennen.
Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, April 20, 2021, 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with one hour of visitation at the church prior to the service, 550 Smith Rd, Fremont, OH, Fr. Chris Kardzis officiating.
The use of face masks is required while indoors. If you would prefer, you may express your condolences at www.whhfh.com or call the funeral home at 419-332-6409 to request that your name be signed in the guest book.
Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery
Memorials can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steven Brennen
Sponsored by Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory.
Jeffrey Finkle
April 12, 2025
Steve,
You are missed. I think you would be shocked as to what is going on in government these days. I do not even know that your old agency, EDA, will still be with us as a result of the chaos going on. Hope you are praying for us.
Jeff Finkle
April 10, 2022
As we come up to the anniversary of Steve's passing, I will always be thankful that I knew him. Steve was one of the smarter people that I have known, he was loyal and he was a character in his own right. I will always miss him. Jeff
Rick Wolf
May 1, 2021
Steve,
You were the most politically minded class mate I had the pleasure to know. Rest in Peace
Kathy Bowling
April 28, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Steve & Nancy Pfefferle
April 23, 2021
Prayers to all
Phil Daubel
April 21, 2021
Our most sincere sympathy to Ann and Terry on Steven's passing.
Phil and Marlene
Jane Marinik Dunn
April 19, 2021
Terry and Annie, you're in my thoughts.
Linda M Gegorski
April 18, 2021
Ann/ Terry/family: Sincere sympathy to all with prayers/thoughts--may he rest in peace--Steve was a fellow classmate of mine at St. Joe, class of 1971!!
Jeffery Finkle
April 17, 2021
I am sorry to hear that Steve has left us. Steve has been a dear friend for many years. I have known Steve since the 80s and got to know him much better when he was at the US Department of Commerce.
It was always a pleasure to visit with Steve as we were just a couple of guys from Ohio that enjoyed sharing stores from back home. Steve and I kept touch as he went to Denver and then back to Columbus.
67 is far too young to leave us. As my trips to Ohio over the last three to four years were devoted to the care of my parents I did not see him like I did before. I wish that had not been the case.
To his mother and his brother and his family, you should know that Steve made a real difference in the lives of many people. His service in government was that of a smart, strategic civil servant and he got many projects done that without him would not have gotten done.
For those of us who knew him mostly in Washington, we wish there were more Steve Brennen's around.
Sincerely
Jeff Finkle
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