Brenneman, William D. (1896-1961)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 May 18 p. 8

Birth date: 1869 May 6

text of obituary:

WILLIAM D. BRENNEMAN

William D. Brenneman, son of Daniel and Miriam Wertz Brenneman, was born near Wellman, Iowa on May 6, 1869 and died at his home in Kalona on March 18, 1961 at the age of 91 years, 10 months, 12 days. In his youth he united with the Mennonite Church and was a member of the Lower Deer Creek congregation at the time of his death.

On Dec. 22, 1892, he was united in marriage with Mary Hershberger by Bishop Christian Werye. They lived in matrimony a little more than 68 years.

To this union two daughters and one son were born: Alma, who helped care for her parents in the home; Alta, Mrs. Ora Keiser of Kalona; and Clark of Wellman. Besides his widow and the three children, he is survived by four grandchildren, one great grandchild, two half sisters, Mrs. Ida Hershberger of Wellman and Mrs. Naomi Swartzendruber of Kalona, as well as other relatives and friends. Two sisters preceded him in death.

For many years he owned and operated a farm northwest of Kalona. The same farm is being operated by his son. In 1936 he retired from active farm life and moved to Kalona where he resided until death. Mr. Brenneman enjoyed good health thoughout his extended life, having never been a patient at a hospital, and was seldom bedfast at home. At the time of his death and for the past eight years he was the oldest member of the Lower Deer Creek congregation.

The funeral services, held March 20, were conducted at the home by Dean Swartzendruber and at the Lower Deer Creek Church in charge of Robert K. Yoder and J. Y. Swartzendruber.