Joseph Orlo Brenneman

Joseph (Joe) Orlo Brenneman, age 75, of Larwill, Indiana, passed away at 5:23 pm on Saturday July 20, 2024, at his residence, in the loving presence of family. Born on August 16, 1948, in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Orlo Clyde and Thelma Lois (Gilnett) Brenneman.

Joe graduated from Warsaw High School with the Class of 1966. He then attended Taylor University, Upland where he met Rene Powlison and graduated with the Class of 1970 earning a BA in Biblical Literature. On August 15, 1970, he and Rene married in Southfield, Michigan.

Always striving to follow God’s call in his life, Joe was active in Youth for Christ (YFC) in his younger years, worked a variety of other jobs according to his talents, and ultimately served as a pastor and teacher for over 20 years. He was a humble man seeking to practice what he preached, more interested in God’s approval than man’s. A conscientious objector, he completed alternative service during the Vietnam War.

Joe was a devoted husband and father, passing on to his children his love of camping, canoeing, nature photography, woodworking, singing, and playing musical instruments. He also was interested in computers and enjoyed utilizing new technology for his ministry. He loved puzzles, with a particular interest in cryptic crossword puzzles and anagram games.

In 2013, Joe suffered a stroke which greatly altered his life. After many years with limited mobility, he received an advanced cancer diagnosis. This gave all his children from near and far the opportunity to spend time with him before he went to be with his Savior.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 53 years - Rene Brenneman of Larwill; children Reuben (Deanne) Brenneman of West Lafayette, Sarah (Aaron) Field of Warsaw, Tabitha (Arturo) Garcia of Fort Wayne, Seth (Bethany) Brenneman of Columbus, Vreneli Brenneman of Larwill, Hannah (Steve) Johnson of Cusco, Peru, Esther (Adam) Ousley of Albion, Abigail Moss of Larwill, Debbie (Adam) Pettigrew of South Whitley, Becky (David) Arrese of San Jose, CA, and Joanna (Reid) Knuth of Fort Recovery, OH; 26 grandchildren; brothers Jim Brenneman and John Brenneman, both of Warsaw, and sister Judie Garifine of Long Branch, NJ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters Janet Wingrove and Joyce LeMasters.

Friends may call on Thursday, July 25, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 pm at DeMoney Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.

A celebration of life service for Joseph will be held at New Hope Wesleyan Church, 971 N 400 W, Columbia City on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 11:00 am.

Private burial in Lakeview Cemetery, Larwill.

Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or to sign online guest register.