Robert “Rob” Stanley Brenda, 63, of La Porte, Indiana passed away Sunday, September 12, 2021. He was born on February 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 in 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 LaPorte 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 Falcon’s in La Porte and grew up attending Holy Family Parish, St. Peter Church. He loved all things LaPorte 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; 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, CA, Paul (Sandi) Brenda of La Porte, Teresa Butler of California, Sister, 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, September 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, September 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.
