Virgil J. Brenneman

Virgil J. Brenneman, 86, of Goshen, died at his home on Tuesday morning, June 10, 2008.  He had been in declining health since January. He was born in Kalona, Iowa, on November 27, 1921, to Ephraim and Anna (Christner) Brenneman.  He married Helen Good on November 3, 1946 in Amsterdam, Holland.  She preceded him in death on January 13, 1994. Mr. Brenneman moved to Goshen in 1959, coming from Iowa City, Iowa.  A pastor, Mr. Brenneman pastured for seven years in Iowa City and served as the first pastor of Waterford Mennonite Church, Goshen from 1959 to 1962.  He then worked for Mennonite Board of Missions in student and young adult services from 1962 to 1974.  He was a financial planner for IDS from 1979 to 1992. A member of Assembly Mennonite Church, Mr. Brenneman was enthusiastic about and served on the boards of Mennonite Camping Association and Wilderness Wind Camp.  He was instrumental in helping to start La Casa in Goshen.  He was a member of the Goshen Ministerial Association and served on the Mennonite Economic Development Association.  He served in CPS for four years and voluntary service for MDD for two and a half years in Europe. A 1951 graduate of Goshen College and a 1965 graduate of Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, he enjoyed his family, wilderness camping; canoeing and portaging; gardening; travel; computers; writing and reading. He is survived by two daughters, Tobi (Joe) Goldfus of Frederick, Maryland, and Beki (Carl) Denman of Indianapolis; two sons, Don (Tana) Brenneman of San Francisco, California, and John Brenneman of Goshen; a foster daughter, Loretta (Jack) Birky of Elmira, Oregon; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Milford Brenneman of Anaheim, California, and Ivan Brenneman of Marine, California; and three sisters, Jane Miller of Kalona, Iowa; Mary Gingerich of Nashwauk, Minnesota, and Mildred Yoder of Donnellson, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, and three brothers, David, Gaylord and Evan Brenneman. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, June 13, at the funeral home. An 11:00 a.m., memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2008, at Assembly Mennonite Church, Goshen.  Pastors Mary Lehman Yoder and Lois Kaufmann will officiate. A private family burial service will be held on Saturday prior to the memorial service. Memorial contributions may be made to Wilderness Wind Camp.