John M. Brennan, age 81, of Rochester died on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at Mayo Clinic – St. Marys Campus.

John was born August 28, 1937 in Rochester to Francis and Rose Brennan. He attended country school near Simpson in rural Rochester prior to attending Lourdes High School. He then joined  the Minnesota National Guard Company C 135th Infantry, where he served for eight years. He immediately went to work helping on the family farm where he had honed his skills since age seven. In 1962, he married Ardith (Ardy) Mae Brown at St. Bridgets Catholic Church near Simpson. In 1976, he started working at United Parcel Service where he worked for 27 years.

He enjoyed maintaining and using his two cyclinder John Deere tractors around the farm. He collected farm replica tractors and loved raising chickens. His pride and joy were his kids and grandkids.

John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ardith; two sons, John (Shelly) Brennan of Rochester, and Jim (Nicole) Brennan of Hayfield; five daughters, Kathleen Brennan of Rochester, Jane Masching of Kasson, Teresa (Tom) Rhinerson of Owensboro, KY, Colleen (Eric) Dickman of Rochester, and Bridget O'Neill of Marion; 17 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his brother, Jerry (Anita) Brennan of Rochester; sister, Jean (Bill) Walker of Bloomington; and several nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Francis (Bud), and sisters, Margaret Mach and Florence Koelsch.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, September 8, 2018 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Rev. Will Thompson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens.