PATRICK BRENNAN's Obituary
PATRICK BRENNAN, 87, of Skanee passed away suddenly Friday, September 3, 2004 at Marquette General Hospital. Pat was born February 16, 1917 in L’Anse, MI., son of the late John E and Florence C. (Becker) Brennan. He attended schools in L’Anse and Houghton and was a graduate of L’Anse High School, class of 1935. Following high school, Pat attended the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. where he earned a B.S. Degree in Commerce class of 1940 In 1941, he was awarded his law degree. Pat was an aviator in the U.S. Navy during WWII flying the Douglas Dauntless aircraft on anti-submarine patrols in the North Atlantic. Lieutenant Brennan trained in Corpus Christi, Tx. and was commissioned in 1942. He held single and multi-engine rating for both land and sea and held a commercial pilot rating following his discharge. Following his military career, Pat returned to South Bend, Ind. In 1946 he married the former Ruth E. Gaudig at Sacred Heart Basilica in Notre Dame, Ind. She preceded him in death on March 27, 1997. He began his practice of law in 1946. He remained active until his death. Pat accomplished a distinguished record during his law career. He served as a member of the Indiana legislature from 1948 until 1952. He was the Chief Prosecuting Attorney for St. Joseph County from 1952 until 1962. Pat was admitted to the 6th and7th Circuit Courts of Appeal, the Federal District Courts in Indiana and Michigan. He was the Past president of the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Association having been elected to that office twice. He was a past President of the National District Attorneys Association. Mr. Brennan received an honorary J D Degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1969. He was a member of the Indiana and Michigan Bar Associations and was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court. He founded his own law firm in 1962: Patrick Brennan and Associates. Shortly after his son Dennis joined the firm, it became known as Brennan and Brennan, PC Lawyers and continues today. Pat was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, a life member of the V.F.W, D.A.V., and the N.R.A, past commander of the American Legion Bendix Post in South Bend, and a member of the following; the Baraga County Community Foundation, Lake Superior Kids Club, L’Anse Hoops Club, an organizer of the Tennis Club, a 42 year member of the 40 and 8 Club, and was active in many other groups and activities. Pat loved working with and helping children, enjoyed hunting and raising Appaloosa and Percheron horses. Pat had a zest and interest in life, entertaining friends and family and possessed the unique Irish wit and humor. Mr. Brennan is survived by his loving sons Dennis M. (Jane) Brennan of New Carlisle, In., and Timothy (Geneva) Brennan of L’Anse, grandchildren Erin, Mary Kate, and Kelsey, sister Louise Kinnaird of Sun City, Az., and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his son John Patrick and brother John.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Brennan was celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 8, 2004 from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, L’Anse with Father Chacko, celebrant. The family received friends on Tuesday, September 7, 2004 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse and 1 hour prior to Mass on Wednesday at the church. Tuesday evening, Baraga County Area Veterans, under the direction of the Baraga American Legion Post 444 conducted military honors at 6:30 p.m. followed by a parish prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Memorials in Mr. Brennan's honor may be directed to Baraga County Community Foundation, Sacred Heart School Endowment Fund or St. Joseph County Hospice. The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse has been entrusted with arrangements.
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