LeRoy Brenna

   LeRoy Andrew Brenna was born to Clarence and Gyda (Huus) Brenna of Hatton, ND on June 13, 1933. He had one younger sister, Gloria. The family’s early years were spent farming in the Beaver Creek area, just north of North Golden Lake. LeRoy enjoyed farm life and loved to help out with his father. In time, the Brenna family moved to the city of Hatton. When LeRoy was a young whipper snapper and even into his adult life, relatives often called him “Sonny”. 

   LeRoy’s education began with grade school in Hatton and continued his education through graduation from Hatton High School. He then attended Mayville State College, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education. 

   While at college, he met the love of his life, Miss Darlyne Yvonne Langlie, daughter of Gilfred and Othilia (DeVold) Langlie from Mayville, ND. She was a beautiful country gal, raised on a dairy/small grain farm near Mayville. Besides farming, both LeRoy and Darlyne had a love of music in common, singing often at college, family reunions and church.  

   The couple was married on July 29, 1956 at Mayville Lutheran Church, Mayville, ND. LeRoy was soon drafted and stationed in Germany to serve his country. Darlyne was fortunate to be able to join him overseas and began her teaching career as she taught the military officers’ pre-school children.

   LeRoy enjoyed his career as an upper Elementary/Phy Ed teacher. He also coached basketball and baseball. The couple taught in Ada, Arthur, Argusville, Buffalo and LeRoy spent many years with the Hillsboro Elementary School. An annual tradition for LeRoy’s students was to be treated to his homemade ice cream. Many students commented on how well they enjoyed “Mr. B”. 

   LeRoy and Darlyne were thrilled to become parents of two children, Diane Lynette, and two years, later, LeAlan Dean. They were new parents, enjoying the hustle of little ones. Family life was very important to them. Visits to both sets of grandparents were very frequent. 

   In 1965, they purchased a farmstead near Clifford. Most of the couple’s 60 years of marriage were spent at this farm. Teaching and farming kept both LeRoy and Darlyne busy. They raised sheep, chickens, ducks, geese, pigs, horses and loved their favorite Golden Retriever: Bo. Horses were very important to him. He enjoyed raising a few foals and driving his favorite grey dappled team. 

   LeRoy’s favorite activities included a wide variety of sports; bowling, football, basketball and baseball. He especially enjoyed camping and fishing with the family. He loved to hunt ducks, geese and ventured west to hunt mule deer with friends from the ND Badlands area. LeRoy also loved tinkering with old cars or tractors and spent many good times cruising in a neighboring parade with a favorite antique car or tractor. The Brenna couple frequently attended the barn dances at Elroy’s Barn and were active supporters of MPCG’s sports events. They aimed to attend as many of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s church, school, sports and music events as they could.

   LeRoy was active in his community. He helped to develop the Elm River Dam Recreation Area, served as a member of the Soil Conservation Board, Church Council, Traill County Water Board, Traill County Weed Board, church choir and the Norman Lutheran Cemetery Board. LeRoy was also Darlyne’s main lefse flipper, flatbread helper and her rommegrot tasting man. He was always willing to help out a neighbor in need.

   For many years, LeRoy & Darlyne looked forward to being part of the annual Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion in Rollag, MN. They both were dedicated lifetime members, working in various positions during the Steam Threshers Reunion. Many good times and lasting friendships were made there. LeRoy often brought parade entries to Rollag, and took great pride as the presenter of the US Flag at WMSTR twice-a-day parades.

   LeRoy and Darlyne were active members of the Elm River Church in Galesburg. They were also part of the many Christmas cantatas directed by Marjorie Anderson. LeRoy also spent some time sharing the word of God at prisons and correction centers. LeRoy also thoroughly enjoyed being a longtime member of the men’s singing group, the Traill Blazers.

   Military life and dedication to our country was of great importance to LeRoy. He was a member of the American Legion Post 210 in Galesburg. He was a part of the US flag presentations at many basketball games and Ice Dawg Hockey events in Mayville, also at the Ralph Engelstad Arena and Betty Engelstad Arena. A very special honor for him was to receive a beautiful patriotic ‘Quilt of Valor’ from the Elm River Church Quilters.

   The family greatly appreciated all the great care given to LeRoy at the Luther Memorial Home.

   He is survived by family including his horse, Dakota; Diane & Wayne Randle, Bryan & Wanda Randle, Carson & Jordan, Kimberly & Nick Whitehead, Logan & Madison; Lee & Julie Brenna, April & Matt Grandalen, Mylie, Carson & Paityn, Chelsey & Ali Singhateh, Mason, Foday Kashius & Sainey, Josh & Courtney Brenna, with a new baby soon to be born. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law Richard & Ann Langlie, Gordon & Paula Langlie, nephew David & Nikki Langlie, niece Michelle Langlie & Mark Ballomy, and nephew Tim Boe.

   LeRoy was preceded in death by his loving wife, Darlyne, his parents, Clarence and Gyda Brenna, an infant brother, sister and brother-in-law, Gloria and Arley Boe, father and mother-in-law, Gilfred & Othilia Langlie, and niece, Gayle (Boe) Lider. 

 In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to the "Wounded Warriors" or "Rainbow Gardens".

Masks are required.

Visitation:  Will be 5–7 PM on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel in Mayville, ND and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral Service: Will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, April 30, 2021 at the Elm River Lutheran Church in Galesburg, ND.

Military Honors: Galesburg American Legion, S.B. Aasen Post 210 and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors.

Burial: Will be held at 1:30 PM Friday, April 30, 2021 in the Mayville Cemetery in Mayville, ND.