Gertrude "Trudy" Brenden, age 87, of Glenwood, died Monday, July 6, 2026, at Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 27th at Calvary Lutheran Church in Glenwood, with Pastor Michael Neumann officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the church and continue until the time of service. Inurnment will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. Arrangements are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Glenwood. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given to Calvary Lutheran Church in Glenwood, 260 Hwy 55, Glenwood, MN 56334.

Gertrude "Trudy" Jean Leuty was born on October 19, 1938, in Morris, MN, to George and Gertrude (Pasche) Leuty. She was the youngest of five children and grew up on the family farm in Horton Township until the age of five, when the family moved to Morris, where she continued her childhood and formed the foundation of the values that guided her throughout her life. She was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Horton Township and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Morris on June 1, 1952. Trudy attended Morris public schools and graduated from Morris High School.

On June 16, 1957, Trudy was united in marriage to Ralph Brenden at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Morris. Her family loved hearing the endearing stories of their courtship and the ways Ralph showed his love for his bride. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Peggy and Larry Dean. Together, they made their home on a farm near Alberta, MN until December of 1963, when they moved to Glenwood. Their first residence in Glenwood was in town, but it wasn't long before Trudy and Ralph homesteaded and built a house in the woods south of Glenwood. Eventually, Ralph's love for working the land drew him back into farming and in 1977, the two bought a farm in Rolling Forks Township. They loved everything about farm life and thoroughly enjoyed the friendship of their wonderful neighbors. In addition to running the farm, Ralph built a saw mill and started his own business, the Board Store, which built shipping crates for manufacturing firms. He also used lumber from their land to construct many projects, including beautiful kitchen cabinets that Trudy treasured. Trudy and Ralph shared a devoted partnership through the years, and she was a loving and supportive spouse both on the farm and in his business endeavors. Their life together was built on faith, hard work, and deep commitment to family. They made many cherished memories on the farm, hosting family reunions, celebrations, and enjoying time with friends and neighbors.

Upon moving to Glenwood, Trudy and Ralph became members of Calvary Lutheran Church where they faithfully served for many years. Trudy was active in the Ladies Circle and served as the church organist, a role that reflected both her musical gifts and her devotion to her church family. She began playing the organ as a teenager and continued for more than 60 years, sharing her talent in a way that brought comfort and beauty to worship services and to those around her. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she lived it quietly and consistently through her actions, her kindness, and her steady presence.

Trudy was employed at Corner Drug for 30 years, where she was known for her dependable work ethic and warm manner. At home, she had a reputation for keeping a neat and tidy house, and she took pride in creating a welcoming and orderly place for her family. Her hobbies included knitting and bird watching, collecting cardinals of all shapes and sizes, and serving coffee and delicious treats to all who walked through her door. Those who knew Trudy will remember her as loving, faith-filled, and thoughtful, with a gentle spirit and a strong sense of care for others.

In 2009, Trudy and Ralph sold their farm and moved to Glenwood Retirement Village, and enjoyed 8 years there together until Ralph passed away in 2017. Trudy appreciated the friendships that she made while at the Plaza, and then enjoyed reconnecting with friends when she moved to Parkview Court in 2025. Trudy's family is grateful for all the people that visited and cared for her in big and little ways these last few years of her life.

Trudy passed away unexpectedly on July 6, 2026, in Glenwood, at Glacial Ridge Hospital, at the age of 87. Since the day of her baptism, when she became a child of God, to the moment she met her Savior, Trudy truly recognized the importance of what Jesus did for her and encouraged many around her to stay close to their Savior too.

Trudy is survived by her daughter, Peggy (Phil) Moll of Winona; her son, Larry Dean Brenden of Willmar; three grandchildren, Amy (Greg) Lyon, Katie (Jon) Hermanson, and Nathan Moll; six great-grandchildren, Jonah, Amelia, and Isaiah Hermanson, and Samuel, Elliana, and Addison Lyon; a sister-in-law, Jan Brown of Morris; and a brother-in-law, Arne Waldvogel of Arizona. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Gertrude Leuty; two brothers, George Jr. and Robert; and two sisters, Dorothy Mohr and Mary Jane Waldvogel.

Trudy will be remembered for her steadfast love of family, her lifelong commitment to her church and savior, and the gentle way she touched the lives of those around her. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

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