Michael “Mike” Ben Brende Sr., June 12, 1951 – September 28, 2026. You cannot forget someone who gave you so much to remember. A Life Full of Stories: Michael “Mike” Ben Brende Sr., 75, was born on June 12, 1951, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and passed away on September 28, 2026, in Independence, Missouri. 

Mike was a man who wore many hats throughout his life—and somehow, whatever he decided to do, he found a way to master it. His life was full of stories, the kind that sound almost unbelievable until you remember that this was Mike we’re talking about.From training horses in Montana, to working as a gas station attendant during the riots in Illinois, and to serving his country in Vietnam. Mike lived a life that was anything but ordinary. He went on to work as a carpenter and cement finisher in South Dakota, owned and operated his own company, Construction Unlimited, and even worked as an international meat trader in Kansas City and got published in a magazine for his work. 

There wasn’t much Mike wouldn’t try—and when he tried something, he found a way to master it. But of all the roles Mike held throughout his life, the ones that mattered most were husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa. To his grandchildren, Mike was so much more than Grandpa. He was someone they could depend on, confide in, learn from, and love fiercely. His Family, His Legacy: Mike leaves behind his wife, Tonni, and his children and their families: Kim and Jon Nelson; Michael Brende Jr. and his wife, Tammy; Dawn Brende; Jennifer Sechser; Beth Taggart and Matthew Cunningham; Stephanie and Levi Jennings; Johnathan Brende; Zane Brende and Patience Farmer; and Connor Brende.He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Lindsey, Allycen, Blake, Kloee, Rebekka, Arilyn, Aleah, Journie, Emma, Jerzi, Cody, King and Brady, and his great-grandchildren, Ryker and Sawyer. 

Mike is also survived by his siblings, Edward Welch, Melvin Welch, JoAnne Rustman and Steve Brende, as well as many extended family members and friends who loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marilyn and Joe, his brothers, Doug and Bobby, granddaughter Aurora Jennings, and other beloved family members who went before him. Keeping His Memory Alive: A Celebration of Life will be held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The time and location will be announced once arrangements are finalized. 

On Sunday, November 1, 2026, family and friends are invited to gather for a barbecue at Mike’s home to share food, stories, laughter, and memories of a life that gave everyone plenty of them. Mike’s funeral service will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Mound Grove Cemetery in Independence, Missouri, where he will be laid to rest in the Field of Honor. 

Family and friends are encouraged to share their favorite stories and memories of Mike for his family to read, keep, and pass down for generations. Both days of celebration will have a table with cards and pens to leave that little treasure for them. Mike’s life gave us a lot of stories. Now it’s our turn to keep telling them and to keep his memory alive by doing so.