David “Jake” Brenna, age 73, a lifelong resident of River Falls, passed away on June 2, 2025, at The Comforts of Home Lodge in River Falls.
Jake was born on Dec. 21, 1951, in Saint Paul, Minn., the son of Robert and Loretta (Vance) Brenna. He attended elementary school in River Falls and graduated with the Class of 1969. He briefly attended the University of Wisconsin–River Falls before realizing that college wasn’t the path for him. Instead, he began a long and fulfilling career with Wisconsin Bell, working as a lineman. Over the years, he stayed through the many name changes of the company, retiring with AT&T. He knew he was doing well when he was promoted to his own bucket truck — a proud moment in his career.
Jake was first married to Marilyn Kern, and together they welcomed a daughter, Lisa. Though the marriage later ended, he was blessed with another daughter, Angela, with his partner Kim Sandifer.
Dave loved his girls deeply and was always protective of them. He was well respected — not only for his tall stature but for his calm wisdom. He was a man who listened intently and spoke only when it mattered. He didn’t talk to hear his own voice — when Dave spoke, people listened.
An avid outdoorsman, Dave found peace and joy in nature. He treasured hiking adventures with his daughters, especially at Kinnickinnic and Willow River State Parks. He shared endless laughs on canoeing trips down the Brule River with his buddies and looked forward each fall to deer hunting season. He also enjoyed fishing — whether for halibut in Alaska or panfish through the ice closer to home.
Later in life, Dave’s world changed in the best of ways when he reconnected with and married his high school sweetheart, Elaina “Elly” Johnson. Together, they shared a rich and loving partnership — whether golfing at local courses, taking scenic drives through western Wisconsin, or recounting stories of utility poles climbed and transformers repaired. One highlight for the whole family was a trip to Lambeau Field with Elly, Lisa, and Angie to cheer on the Green and Gold — a memory cherished even though the Packers didn’t win that day.
Dave also enjoyed quieter routines — reading the morning paper and tackling the daily crossword puzzle with his steady intellect and patience.
He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Elly; his daughters Lisa Marie (Joe Black) Brenna and their son Aiden, and Angela Gina Brenna; his siblings Bob (Vickie) of Fort Myers Beach, Jeff (Cheryl) of Hudson, and Randy (Roxy) of River Falls; sister-in-law Char Brenna of Roberts; and stepchildren Stephanie (Scott) Seefeldt of Oconomowoc, Wis., and their family. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Lenny and Steve; and niece and nephew Brandy and Kelly Lynn.
A Celebration of Life for Dave Brenna will be held from 3-7 p.m. Friday, June 20 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in River Falls. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the discretion of the family.
