Paul L. Brenner

Paul L. Brenner, 89, of Boulder Junction, WI passed away on Sunday January 27, 2013 at Our Home K-Care. He was born in West Milwaukee on January 25, 1924 to Louis and Johannah (nee Schuster) Brenner. He graduated from West Milwaukee High School in 1941 and served in the US-Navy from 1941 until 1947. He served in the South Pacific, working as an aviation ordnanceman with the Fighting Squadron Five. He later served onboard the USS Shang-ri-la while the ship was participating in nuclear bomb testing on the Bikini Atoll. Upon being honorably discharged, he moved to Boulder Junction, where he began working for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. He lived at the DNR State House at Trout Lake until he built his home in 1957. Upon his retirement from the DNR, Paul turned his attention to his community, his two acre garden and making firewood. Paul will always be remembered for selling his flowers and vegetables outside the Boulder Junction Post Office and then donating all the proceeds to the Boulder Library, Historical Society and Fire Department. He also began researching the history of the northwoods, particularly the area's rich logging history. Many people benefited from his programs which he conducted all around Wisconsin. Paul is survived by his sister, Lois Strehlow of Boulder Junction and a niece, Trish (Dan) Menzia and their children, Caleb, Hannah and Olivia, also of Boulder Junction. Much of Paul's time the last 12 years was spent with these children. He shared his love of family and life with them as well as his wonderful sense of humor. He is further survived by Peggy (Clarence) Izydorski, Pete (Cathy) Strehlow, Paul (Cindi) Strehlow, Tim (Linda) Strehlow, Chris Strehlow, Sandy Kinter, Sutton (Pam) Kinter, Scott (Nancy) Kinter, Sharon (Joe) Wioreck, Sue (Rick) Gorecki and other grand nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Margaret Kinter. A celebration of Paul's life will be held at a later date, most likely this summer when his many friends from outside this area have returned. Memorials may be directed in his name to the Boulder Library, Historical Society or Fire Dept.