Stan H. Brenneman

Stan H. Brenneman, 84, of Berne passed away Sunday, February 10, 2019 at Lutheran Life Villages in Fort Wayne.

He was born on March 27, 1934 in Elkhart County, the son of the late Herber Brenneman and the late Elsie (Henry) Brenneman.

Stan was united in marriage to Shirley Bechdolt on June 8, 1958 in West Chester Methodist Church, in Jay County. Those who knew Stan will recall him jokingly saying they were happily married 12 years; that’s not too bad out of 60.

He was in the First Class of the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the Fort Wayne National Guard in Fort Wayne.

He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Berne where he sang in the choir. He was also a member of the Berne Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Berne Rotary Club where he had perfect attendance for over 30 years. Stan was also a long standing member of the South Adams school board and was able to hand diplomas to 3 of his 4 kids. Most recently, he was a member of the Fort Wayne Bridge Club.

Stan was the owner/operator of Stan’s Men’s Wear (P.S. ladies too) in Berne and Brenneman Travel Bureau for many years, and was also employed as a furniture salesmen for Smith Brothers of Berne.

Stan and Shirley loved traveling and worked that into their business as professional tour operators. They escorted their guests all over the United States and many countries. Through several cruises and motor coach tours, their favorite destination was Alaska having visited it 27 times. While living in Adams County, Stan loved singing and performed in several regional musical productions. His most popular role was Captain Von Trapp in the Sound of Music. Stan’s other pastime loves include jig saw puzzles, crosswords, backgammon, playing cards, reading, following his St. Louis Cardinals, and spending time with his grandkids. Friends visiting would often be greeted by Stan saying “2 out of 3?”

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Shirley Brenneman of Berne; two sons, Bill (Deb) Brenneman of Fort Wayne, and Todd (Tammy) Steiner of Berne; two daughters, Wanda (Brian) Dean of Ottawa, OH and Angi (Dusty) Hill of Indianapolis; six grandkids, Brock and Jessica Brenneman, and Alex, Annika, Harrison, and Hayden Dean; six nephews; and three nieces.

Stan was preceded in death by two brothers, Rev. Paul Brenneman and Rev. Wayne Brenneman; two sisters, Verla Brenneman and Ruth Fair-Meeks.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday, February 15, 2019 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Berne with Pastor Mark Walus officiating. Interment will follow in the Green Park Cemetery in Portland, Indiana.

Friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Friday, February 15, 2019 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Berne.

Preferred memorials can be made to Adams County Council on Aging, Love INC of Adams County, and Compassionate Ministries network INC.