Neal Brenna

Neal C. Brenna, 92, of Havre died May 12, 2025.

He was born Dec. 12, 1932, to Kenneth and Nora Brenna in Nashua and had two sisters, Fay and Myrna. He grew up along the Hi-Line, spending time in Harlem, Havre and graduating high school in Rudyard in 1950.

After graduation, he joined the Navy and served as a radioman during the Korean War. After being discharged from the Navy, he returned to Havre and, while driving down the street, he noticed two young ladies pushing strollers down the sidewalk. It didn’t take long for him to know that one of those ladies, Patricia “Patti” Sleeter, would be his forever partner. They had three boys: Jim, Mark and Ron.

He went back to school at Montana State University in Bozeman where he earned a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering. Upon graduating, his fatherin- law, Ralph Sleeter, offered him a position at the Havre Laundry as plant engineer. He remained at the laundry for the rest of his career, over 50 years, where he owned and operated the company until his retirement in 1995. Jim and Ron both worked for Neal at the Havre Laundry, and they eventually took over operations. He made a lasting impression in the industry and was an integral part of the Havre Laundry being recognized as the Montana Family Business of the Year in 1998.

He had many jobs over his 92 years, but his love for the