Award-winning Des Moines Public Schools teacher and father of two Patrick Brennan has died unexpectedly on Oct. 15.
A beloved social studies teacher at Merrill Middle School, Brennan was known for asking challenging questions of students and was often equipped with a mug of tea, according to WHO13. He was the father of two children and married to Stephanie Brennan, who is a teacher at Roosevelt High School.
“My partner, my teammate, my kids’ best friend left us last night,” Stephanie Brennan said on a Meal Train fundraising post.
Dozens of people have signed up to make meals for the family, according to the Meal Train page on Oct. 16. After 24 hours, a GoFundMe page has already raised over $23,000 for the family and funeral expenses.
“The sudden loss of Patrick has left his loved ones facing heartbreak and the challenge of planning a funeral, a celebration of life, and securing the future for Stephanie and their children,” the GoFundMe post stated. “The loss of income adds to the uncertainty, making support from friends and the community more important than ever.”
His teaching styles led to his students nominating him for the Golden Apple Award. In April, Brennan was caught by surprise when WHO-TV announced he won the monthly award. Stephanie Brennan also won the award while she was a teacher at Lincoln High School in 2018, according to WHO13.
“Patrick’s passion for education touched countless lives,” the GoFundMe post stated. “As an inspiring teacher, he dedicated himself to nurturing curiosity and growth in his students.”
A Des Moines native, Brennan went to Dowling Catholic School in Des Moines and graduated from Drake University. He taught for 13 years after his wife inspired him to enter education so they could spend summers with their family, according to his obituary. He worked at Meredith and Merrill during his tenure.
Outside of the walls of his classroom, Brennan was described as a “true rock star” and was a member of surf punk band Tough Ghost with his childhood best friends. To honor his memory, the obituary encourages others to listen to his favorite bands, including The Pogues, The Buttertones, Bob Dylan and The Beatles.
Brennan also was an organ donor. His brain will be donated to the University of Iowa to study how to help others struggling with mental health, according to his obituary.
“If you are struggling with your mental health or feeling lost and alone, please reach out to someone and ask for help,” his obituary says. “Just like Mr. Brennan, you are loved, and the world needs you. We are surrounded by a community of love and support and thank everyone for all of their kind words, donations and taking care of all of our students who are also grieving with us.”
What resources are available for students impacted by Patrick Brennan’s death?
Both principals at Merrill and Roosevelt released statements about services for students who are grieving the loss of Brennan.
Counselors and members of the district’s grief response team would be available in the library for students at Merrill Middle School on Oct. 16. Principal Kathryn Panek wrote to families, saying the school knows how hard his death will be for many students.
“My attention and love are with all of our students and staff as we move through this difficult day,” Panek said. “As always, we appreciate your support from home. Please reach out if you believe your student needs extra attention in the coming days.”
Roosevelt principal Mindy Euken also released a statement, saying that many students at the high school had Patrick Brennan as a teacher or are students of Stephanie Brennan.
“Many of our students who attended Merrill know and love Mr. Brennan, his wife, Mrs. Stephanie Brennan, who is a beloved teacher right here at Roosevelt, and their family,” Euken said. “We send our sincerest condolences to Mrs. Brennan and her family and to the entire Roosevelt, Merrill, and Hanawalt feeder pattern community.”
Roosevelt High School also offered counseling services on Oct. 16 for students in need of support. Euken encouraged students to visit the counseling office and reach out for available resources during this time.
“We are here for you and care about each and every one of you deeply,” Euken said in the statement.
When is Patrick Brennan’s celebration of life?
A celebration of life will be held at Merrill Middle School, 5301 Grand Ave., from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 19. The event will begin with words of comfort at 2 p.m., followed by an open house gathering until 4 p.m. A private gathering will follow the service for close friends, family and fellow teachers.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a favorite mug to “toast to Mr. B” with a cup of tea. Those attending could also wear Converse shoes, skinny jeans or Ray-Ban sunglasses in Brennan’s honor.
Current or past students are encouraged to bring a letter telling the story of how Brennan impacted their lives that will be shared with his children.
Kate Kealey is the growth and development reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This story was updated to add new information.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: DMPS mourns death of Patrick Brennan, father and award-winning teacher
Reporting by Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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