The Des Moines community is mourning the loss of Patrick Brennan — a beloved educator, musician, husband, father, and friend — whose passing has left a deep and lasting void. Known for his compassion, creativity, and unwavering dedication to his students, Brennan’s influence reached far beyond the classroom.
A longtime teacher with Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS), Brennan was admired for his ability to connect with students and ignite a love of learning. His work at Merrill Middle School earned him a Golden Apple Award, recognizing his exceptional commitment to education. Colleagues and students alike remember him as a teacher who not only taught lessons but also shaped character, encouraging kindness, confidence, and curiosity in every child he met.
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Beyond his work in education, Brennan was a talented musician whose passion for the arts inspired many. His performances brought people together, reflecting his belief in the power of music to heal, unite, and uplift.
At home, Brennan was deeply devoted to his family. He shared a remarkable partnership with his wife, Stephanie Brennan — also a Golden Apple Award-winning teacher at Roosevelt High School. Together, the couple’s dedication to nurturing young minds extended well beyond their classrooms, impacting countless lives throughout Des Moines.
While Patrick Brennan’s sudden passing has left the community heartbroken, his legacy endures in the countless students he inspired, the music he created, and the love he shared. His kindness, humor, and passion for education will continue to echo through the lives he touched.