David J. Brenneman

David J. Brenneman, farmer

September 21, 1943 –August 26, 2016

Dave's life and calling as a farmer was dedicated to raising dairy cattle and working the land alongside his wife, Alicia, on the farm they established in 1970, south of Elkhart, on County Road 7. His commitment to always learning and improving the farming operation along with his incredible work ethic, led to the growth and success of the family farm for nearly 50 years and has continued to the next generations.  His faith in God, his love for his family, and the joy of his labor impacted many lives that passed through the place he loved most, Maple Crest Farms.

He was a life-long member of the Missionary Church, founded by his great-grandfather, Elder Daniel Brenneman, and attended Nappanee Missionary Church.

Continuing his legacy are his wife of almost 48 years, Alicia Kay (Brookmyer) Brenneman, married December 14, 1968, in Goshen; a daughter and her husband, Heather Brenneman (Michael) Miles; two sons, their wives, and children: David "Alex" (Erica Lee) Brenneman (Lane, Jaimene, and Cade); and Rev. Daniel L. (Angela Yoder) Brenneman (Gracie, Cole, and Catie). Also surviving are his sister, Esther Adam; a brother, Dwight J. (Lorene) Brenneman, both of Elkhart, and a foster brother, Thomas Conrad, of Goshen.

His parents, Daniel C. (d. 1976) and Stella (Seibert, d. 1991), brother Howard (d. 1987), and infant brother Herber (d. 1929), preceded him in death.

He was born in Goshen, Indiana and graduated from Syracuse High School, class of 1961. He served in the Indiana National Guard.

He and his wife enjoyed winters at their place in Estero, Florida, for the past 9 years, and cultivated many friendships with people from around the United States and Canada.

He died of an acute exasperation of interstitial lung disease, diagnosed January of 2016.

Pallbearers include Dan Brenneman, Alex Brenneman, Michael Miles, Stephen Beron, John Adam, and Mark Adam.

Honorary Pallbearers include Michael Hall, Nathan Beron, Clarence Graber, Larry Struble, David Timms, Dwight Brenneman, and Dale Brenneman.

Friends may call on Tuesday, August 30, 2016, from 4-8 p.m., and Wednesday, August 31 from 12-3 and 4-8 p.m. all at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.  All are welcome to a 9 a.m. prayer service, Thursday, September 1, 2016, at Nappanee Missionary Church Chapel.  A 9:30 processional will begin at the church and  pass through Maple Crest Farms to Prairie Street Cemetery, Elkhart.  A noon memorial service will be conducted at Nappanee Missionary Church.   Officiating are the Rev. Daniel L. Brenneman, the Rev. Dr. Robert Crabtree, and the Rev. Jason Rohde.

Memorial contributions may be given to Heifer International and Hospice House of Elkhart.