Obituary of Daniel R. Brenning

Daniel R. Brenning was born on August 25, 1969 in Philadelphia, PA to Robert and Lucy Brenning. Dan passed away peacefully, and surrounded with love on October 5, 2019 at Solvay Hospice House after a valiant 11-month battle with cancer.

Dan was the oldest of three children and grew up in Duluth, MN. Dan made many friends anywhere he went and everywhere he lived. His style and personality made him a force to be reckoned with. He had an eye for design and the passion to match.

In 2003, Dan met his “second family”. This group of friends formed a bond that no one could break. Dan was famous for throwing the most immaculate dinner parties, wrapping the most beautiful gifts, and he could perfectly decorate any living space.

Dan moved in to Waterloo, IA in 2011. While there, he excelled in his job at Dillard’s; being a top seller for the 7 years he was there. Dan made many friends and memories in Iowa. He was truly one of a kind.

Picture this: a man walks into the room. He is sharp! From his wit, the fragrance on his skin, to the shoes on his feet. His skin is immaculate and his sweater is like no other. He walks towards you and you feel amazing. He makes you feel like the most incredible person in the room. He had that ability. He was a man of so many talents since day one. He was passionate about music and had the ability to match the perfect playlist to any event; from a fancy dinner to a cookin’ in the kitchen dance party. He had an aesthetic eye for detail in every manner from shoes to any living space. He could style anyone or anything in minutes. He was sharp witted, had unsurpassed style, and most of all, a kind heart.

Dan was diagnosed with end stage cancer in November 2018. His “second parents”, Paul Javorina and Luanne Graham, welcomed Dan into their home in Duluth so he could battle his cancer comfortably. With unconditional support from his second family, Dan was able to be close to family and friends during his illness. Dan spent the last 11 months cooking dinners, shopping, and spending quality time with those he loved. Dan was generous, kind, and an absolute joy to everyone that had the pleasure of meeting him.

Dan is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lucy Brenning, and his beloved dog, Eve.

Dan is survived by his sister, Laura (Jon) Martignacco and their children Gio and Lucy, brother, Michael (Jen) and their children, Trevor, Adam, Alaina, Megan, and Ryley, and stepmother, Susan Brenning. Dan is also survived by his “second family,” Paul Javorina and Luanne Graham, Courtney Kile (Giorgio Gallo) and their children Gabby, Savannah, and Sully, Lynnae Javorina and her son and Dan’s godson, Aubrey LeBeaux, Sarah and Imania Bieter, CJ Javorina (Crystal MacFarlane) and their children Eva, Davin, and Brooklynn, Ken O’Brien, and many, many others. Dan was loved beyond measure and missed even more than that.

Dan’s family would like to thank Dr. Carl Rasmussen and Vanessa Corder, Dr. Matthew Emme and Stacy, the staff at St. Luke’s Hospital, the staff of St. Luke’s and Essentia Hospice, and especially the staff at Solvay Hospice House for their unparalleled devotion and care for Dan during his illness.

Per Dan’s request, a private service will be held at a later date. “Elegance is not about being noticed, it is about being remembered.” – Giorgio Armani