Brenneman, Moses E. (1881-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Jun 6 p. 8

Birth date: 1881 Sep 26

text of obituary:

MOSES E. BRENNEMAN

Moses E. Brenneman was born on Sept. 26, 1881, to Daniel and Marie (Boshart) Brenneman in Wellesley, Ontario, Canada. He passed away May 18,1957, at the age of 75 years,seven months and 23 days after being confined two and a half weeks as a result of a heart attack.

Bro. Brenneman accepted Christ as his Saviour at the age of 15yearsand was baptized into the Maple View Mennonite Church near Wellesley, Ontario in 1896 by Bishop Jacob Wagler.

In 1900 the Brenneman family left Ontario and moved to Nebraska and four years later took an extended trip to the West. It was on this trip that Bro. Brenneman met Orpha Mae Mishler with whom he was united in marriage at Roseland, Neb. on Feb. 23, 1906.

Bro. and Sisgter Brenneman moved to Albany, Oregon on Oct. 19,1909, and Bro. Brenneman was ordained to the office of deacon in the Twelfth Street Mennonite Church, Albany, Oregon on March 18, 1912 by brethren David Hilty and J. D. Mishler. Three years later, on Nov. 7, 1915, he was ordained to the office of minister by the brethren J. S. Shoemaker, S. G. Shetler and J. P. Bontrager.

In the years that followed, up to the time of his death, he took an active interest in the church-wide activities and developments as well as assisting in the ministerial responsibilities of the Twelfth Street Mennonite church, now named the Albany Mennonite Church. He was ever zealous in the work of his church, which found expression in many ways. He will be remembered by many for the personal interest he manifested, such as a visit or even a letter of encouragement. he was widely known for these kindly virtues, not only in his church but throughout the entire community. This continual concern, this faithful counsel, and this devoted fellowship and ministry will be greatly missed by the Albany Mennonite Church and the Pacific Coast Conference.

Bro. Brenneman was preceded in death by four of his own children, Orval on Sept. 2, 1925, Melvin on Dec. 21, 1925, Olive on July 26, 1930, and Francis who preceded him by three weeks on April 30, 1957.

He is survived by his wife, Orpha; four sons, Paul, of Santa Barbra, Calif., John, Calvin and Edward of Albany; 14 grandchildren,and three great-grandchildren: one brother, Dan of Albany; and one sister Mary Kenagy, also of Albany.