Donald Joseph Bren

Donald Joseph Bren, 86, passed away at home on January 19, 2017 in Hilliard, OH. Don was born on October 30, 1930 in Cedar Rapids, IA to Bozetech and Lillian Bren. He is survived by wife of 53 years, Gail Ruth; brother, Wayne A. Bren; sons, Wesley C. (Charlene) Bren and Gary J. Bren; daughter Stacy E. (Greg) Schad; grandchildren, Alexandra M. Bren, Elizabeth F. Bren, Andrew J. Bren, Caitlyn J. Green, Stephanie E. Collins, Lindsey B. Schad, Nicholas B. Schad, Katy E. Schad; sister-in-law Judith (Gabriel) Kohler; Nephews, Jean W. Kohler, Samuel A. Kohler; niece, Amy B. Huber; 6 great-grandchildren and many other loving family members and friends. He knew the deep generosity of Jesus Christ in his life and lived his life sharing that generosity with all he knew. His family and friends are richer in spirit because of him.

Don grew up in Caldwell, NJ, graduating from Montclair Academy in 1948 (inducted in the Athletic Hall of Fame). He graduated from Denison University in 1952, having lettered in football and baseball and being elected an officer of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Gamma-Xi Chapter. Don would be named defensive back of the year his senior year. He set multiple school records that held for over 40 years, still holding the record for longest punt return. In 1996 he was inducted into Denison's Athlete's Hall of Fame. Don was drafted and served in the US Army from 1952-1954. Afterwards he was hired as an Assistant Football Coach for Pennsylvania Military College which went undefeated. Don began his career in insurance in 1958. After moving to Columbus in 1964 Don worked as General Agent for Manhattan Life Insurance Company and was elected president of the Columbus Life Underwriters Association in 1981 and president of the National Brokerage Association in 1993.

Don was very active in his community and Upper Arlington Lutheran Church where he was a member for 45 years serving on the evangelism team and other groups. He relished supporting others and strengthening his faith through renewal events like Cursillo 1974, Kairos 1992 and Promise Keepers - Stand in the Gap, Washington, DC 1997. He served with the Columbus Jaycees, as the Secretary-Treasurer, and Chairmen for the Columbus Day Committee that brought the National AAU Track and Field Meet to Columbus in 1965. He was an active member of Tri-Village Sertoma since 1972 and could be seen ringing bells for the Salvation Army. For 23 years he visited prisoners at the Lebanon and Ross Correctional facilities as part of the Kairos Prison Ministry. Don served the Kappa Sigma Fraternity as the Assistant District Grand Master (1967-1971) and District Grand Master (1971) and on the board of the Gamma-Xi Alumni Association for over 50 years. He combined his love of sports with service by serving as the Treasurer of the Hilliard Youth Baseball Association and coaching his sons youth baseball and basketball teams. Don loved sports and when he wasn't watching one of his kids or grand-children play in a game or watching a college football game you would find him playing golf or enjoying the challenge of picking the perfecta and trifecta winners at Beulah Park, a hobby that led him to become a race horse owner for a brief period. He was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be sorely missed.

The family wishes to thank VITAS hospice for their care. Don will be laid to rest Saturday at Wesley Chapel Cemetery. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. 2300 Lytham Rd, Columbus, OH 43220. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service in the fellowship hall. Donations can be made to the Kairos Prison Ministry c/o Upper Arlington Lutheran Church or to Tri-Village Sertoma, 3242 Henderson Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43220, in lieu of flowers.