Bruce N. Brenneman

Houghton --- Bruce N. Brenneman of 9790 Circle Drive went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 22, 2016 in his home. He was born on December 25, 1939 in New Castle, PA, a son of the late John and Geraldine Newton Brenneman. On August 20, 1965 he married Kathleen Wimer who survives.

Bruce was a graduate of Taylor University in Indiana and received his Master’s Degree from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. He began his teaching career at Fillmore Central School teaching junior high English.  He directed over 100 plays and musicals spanning from 1961 to 2008.  He also directed summer Community Theater in the '80's.  In 1982 he was employed by Houghton College as Director of Conferences and Special Programs.  He also taught a drama class at the college and continued directing plays and musicals there.  He became an English professor in 1998 and taught Freshman English until his retirement in 2008.

Bruce was a member of the Houghton Wesleyan Church for 56 years, serving on the Boards of Elders and Trustees, being the communion steward for 35 years and a member of the church choir for 50 years.  He was also in charge of decorating the church for Christmas and on the flower committee for 30 years.  Bruce belonged to the Wide Awake Club Library Board in Fillmore.

Surviving in addition to his wife is a son, Brian (Jennifer) Brenneman of Atlanta, GA and their children Sam and Beckett, a daughter, Suzanne (Darwin) Beardsley of Houghton and their children, Kayla, Chelsea (Eric) Gabel, Tara, Emma, Julia and Sam. Bruce was predeceased by his brother Jarvis and has four surviving siblings, George (Joanne) Brenneman of New Castle, PA, Gail Nichols of New Wilmington, PA, Kay (Dick) Erb of Spokane, WA, Brenda Brenneman of Portersville, PA and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may gather from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, August 26, 2016 at the Houghton Wesleyan Church where funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.  The Rev. Dr. Wesley Oden will officiate, assisted by the Rev. Douglas Geeze of Auburn. MA.

Memorials if desired to: Houghton Wesleyan Church or Houghton College

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