Obit: Brenner, George Martin Sr. #2 (1937 - 2016)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Brenner, Western, Roberts, Schultz, Zvolena, Scott, Ashbeck, Free, Chrisien, Weyer, Knack, Zepplin, Bennett, Olson, Williams, VonRuden, Zimmerman

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 12/21/2016

Brenner, George Martin Sr. (10 December 1937 – 13 December 2016)

George M. Brenner, 79, of Loyal passed away Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, at Golden Living Center – Three Oaks in Marshfield.

George Martin Brenner was born Dec. 10, 1937, in Stanley to George F. and Olga (Western) Brenner. He was raised on the family farm northeast of Loyal, received his education at Sunnyside School and graduated from Loyal High School in 1956. George worked at Pathfinder Homes in Spencer until enlisting in the U.S. Army Sept. 12, 1957. After his honorable discharge, July 17, 1959, returning from the service, he went to work for Seeman Gas & Oil for nine and a-half years. He was united in marriage to Karen R. Roberts May 23, 1964, at South Green Grove Church. Standard Oil approached him in 1969 after the death of Sam Bruckert, the Standard Oil agent in Loyal. He purchased the truck and in 1973, he purchased the bulk plant and inventory, thus the beginning of Brenner Oil Company. His wife, Karen, died June 20, 1983. He later married Carol A. Schultz March 23, 1985. In 2000, George acquired the Greenwood Oil Company assets and then sold the business to his son, George, in 2003. His wife, Carol, died May 21, 2003. He continued to be an active member in the Loyal community and resided there until his death.

George was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, was a charter member of the Loyal Lion’s Club and one of the original EMTs on the Loyal Ambulance Service, where he was a 15-year volunteer. He also drove school bus for Dahl Bus Service for more than 30 years.

He had many interests but especially enjoyed bowling, where he bowled on the same team for over 50 years, golfing with his friends, shaking dice with his 9 a.m. coffee group, traveling and cheering on the Packers and Badgers.

He is survived by his dear companion Cindy Zvolena of Loyal; three sons, Steve (Angela) Brenner of Wausau, Dean Brenner (Lori Scott) of Marshfield and George Jr. (Michelle) Brenner of Greenwood; six grandchildren: Alyssa, Morgan, Alec, Nicholas, Natalie, and Aiden; one sister, Marlene (Roy) Ashbeck of Nelson; eight step-children: David (Cherry) Free of Loyal, Kevin (Mindy) Free of Marshfield, Vicki Free of North Las Vegas, NV, Bruce (Michelle) Free of Mosinee, Chris Free of Rochester, MN, Debbie Free of Minnesota, Connie Chrisien of Mountlake Terrace, WA, and Scott (Shelly) Schultz of Sparta; 13 step-grandchildren: one great-step-grandchild; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Karen and his wife Carol.

The family would like to thank Dr. Leon of Ministry St. Joseph’s Hospital Oncology Department and Golden Living Center – Three Oaks for their compassion and care given to George during his illness.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16, 2016, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Loyal. Rev. Daniel Zimmerman officiated, and burial followed in the Loyal Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Ray Weyer, Milton Knack, Brad Zepplin, Glen Bennett, Donnie Olson, Dave Williams, and Dave VonRuden. The Loyal American Legion Post #175 conducted military rites. Visitation was held at Trinity Lutheran Church Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again Friday from 10 a.m. until time of service.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.  Cuddie Funeral Home of Loyal assisted the family with arrangements.