Sue Brende, a long-time resident of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City. She was 76 years old at the time of her death, surrounded by her husband and dear friend, Pat.

Susan Sanford was born on April 6, 1950, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to John and Eldred (Gilbertson) Sanford. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1968 and then attended Augustana College, where she began her career in banking and accounting.

On June 23, 1972, Sue married Lyle Brende at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. The couple lived in Sioux Falls until 1983, when they moved to Overland Park, Kansas. There, Sue discovered her true passion for commercial property management, a field in which she thrived until her retirement from Block Real Estate Services in 2017.

Sue and Lyle cherished their time at the Overland Park Arboretum, particularly enjoying the tranquility of the Monet Garden and it's peaceful setting. A good cup of coffee from Dunkin' Donuts always put a smile on her face. Never pass on the opportunity to drink good coffee!

Sue found immense joy in caring for her husband and home, and she had a lifelong passion for interior decorating. Recently, she took great pleasure in decorating their new home in Shawnee, Kansas.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Lyle Brende of Shawnee, Kansas, and a multitude of cousins, nieces, and nephews spread across several states.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Overland Park Arboretum.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, with visitation beginning at noon, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Miller Funeral Home – downtown, located at 507 S. Main Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Interment will take place at East Nidaros Cemetery in Baltic, South Dakota.