Rudolph P. Brenner
Rudolph P. “Rudy” Brenner, age 94, of Chilton, died on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at Atrium Post Acute Care in Chilton. He was born August 15, 1922 in Mt. Calvary, son of the late John & Rose (Steffes) Brenner.
He began dating the woman of his dreams, Dorothy Kolbe, by picking her up in his black sedan. In an effort to stand out, Rudy painted his car green which only lasted for one more date with Dorothy when she informed him that if he’d like another consort with her, he’d have to put the car back to it’s original condition. With a love so strong, Rudy arrived for his next date with Dorothy in his black sedan.
The couple was married on June 4, 1947 at St. Martin Catholic Church in Charlestown. Following their marriage, Rudy farmed in the Kloten area with his hired hand, Dorothy at his side every step of the way. He continued to milk cows with his wife until he was 68 years old.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Good Shepherd Catholic Church, formerly St. Elizabeth Parish where he had also been actively involved in the Holy Name Society. Rudy played a lot of cards, especially Sheepshead and belonged to several card clubs in the area.
Sports were a great passion of Rudy’s and he kept close tabs on all of the Wisconsin sports teams, including the Badgers, Packers, Brewers and Bucks, but all of his grandchildren will attest to the fact that his favorite team to root for was whatever one any of his grandchildren were playing on. He also appreciated the oom-pah-pah of Polkas playing on the radio and the many close friendships he forged with travel groups touring the United States.
Above all of the many blessings Rudy had in his life, his greatest blessing was that of his family. He said many, many times that he had the greatest family in the world. He loved time spent with his children, cherished moments with his grandchildren dispensing sage like advice or traveling to Mary’s Place or the A&W for a treat, and he especially brightened up when his great grandchildren were with him. This kind and gentle man will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his wife: Dorothy; his children: John (Arlene) Brenner, Alice Ruhland, Patricia (Leon) Ruhland, Karen (Joe) Schoenborn; his grandchildren: Jeff (Lynn) Brenner, Tim Brenner & Dan Shea, Stacey (Brian) Ecker, Dan Ruhland & Larry Srebrenick, Chad Ruhland & Allison Halada, Michele (Shawn) Rude, Maria (Joe) Halbach, Angela (Thearith) Cheng, Greg (Jewel) Ruhland, Mary (Chris) West) Mike (Jackie) Ruhland, Jill (Adam) Bangart, Emily (Dominic) Ceci, Amanda (Mitchell) Schaefer; 25 great grandchildren; his brother: Harold Brenner; and his sisters-in-law: Janice Kolbe, Grace Kolbe & Jeanette Brenner. Rudy is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law; Donald Ruhland; his siblings: Leo (Marie) Brenner, Regina (Herman) Wirtz, Walter Brenner, Albin Brenner, Minnie (John) Widmer, Vincie (Duke) Steffes, Ann Petrie, Bernard Brenner; and his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Berthilda Brenner, Marcella (Mike) Trimberger, Art Kolbe, Roman (Rose) Kolbe, Ottilia (Alfred) Daun, Leonard (Jean) Kolbe, Andrew (Alice) Kolbe and Mary Ann Kolbe.
Funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church (54 E. Main St.) in Chilton with the Rev. Ryan Krueger officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Hilbert. Friends may call at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, March 17, 2017 and on Saturday at the funeral home from 9:00 am until 10:30 am. A vigil service will take place Friday evening at the funeral home at the close of the visitation.
A memorial fund has been established in the name of Rudolph P. “Rudy” Brenner.
Rudy’s family would like to thank the entire staff of Atrium Post Acute Care in Chilton, and the Calumet County Hospice for all of the loving care that was shown to Rudy and his entire family