By Marie Wittenberg
The Rev. Buck Day officiated at the celebration of Martha E. Bren’s life on Monday, July 14, 2008, at Faith Presbyterian Church.
On behalf of the family, Martha’s grandson, Jerry, gave a humorous reflection of Martha’s very full life and the many, many happy times they all experienced with her.
Joni Teschner, granddaughter of Martha, read the most appropriate scripture from Psalm 23.
Music was provided by organist and pianist Pat Wischnewski and vocalists Tim and Karen James.
A couple of other remembrances: While driving youth in her car, she used to sing “Brighten the corner where you are.” She certainly did do this. Everyone was a better person for having known her. Martha remembered her Dad saying, “You got to go to school.” Perhaps that was a reason education was so important to her.
Martha Bren, age 98 and 1/2, a longtime resident of Eden Prairie (1936), was born in Canada on Dec. 17, 1909, and married Richard Bren at John Hus Presbyterian (now Faith) in 1931.
She was an active member of the church, serving as deacon four times, Sunday school teacher for years and active in her circle and Bible studies. Martha was also a charter member of the Eden Prairie Woman’s Club.
When her children were grown she went to work as secretary for the Eden Prairie High School principal and when Eden Prairie opened its first grade school (Prairie View) became secretary there until her retirement. She was truly an example of how to live each and every day with faith in God, love of family and friends and had only good things to say about people. She loved and lived life to the fullest.
Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Sr.; two infant sons, Evan and Gregory; daughter-in-law, Barbara; three younger siblings, brothers Len and Roy Tapsay and sister Jean Peterson. She is survived by her children, Richard Jr. (Bev), Bruce (special friend Patty Burrets) and Barbara (Ike) Eigen; grandchildren, Joni (Ralph) Teschner, Jerry (Loree) Bren, Peter (Kim) Bren, Tom (Janene) Bren, Andy Bren, John (Alana) Eigen, Dan (Shelly) Eigen, Molly (Chris) Estel; and 14 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be directed to Camp Needle Point for diabetic children.

Marie Wittenberg is archivist and honorary director of the Eden Prairie Historical Society.