We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Carl here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
Rachel, Luke and Anna: We're so sorry for your loss. He was a great man and wonderful husband and father. We feel fortunate to have met and spent time with him. We hope your faith and memories comfort you. Love, Wes and Denise
Denise
December 10th, 2007 at 12:00am
We will always cherish our memories of Carl, from the joy he brought as a child, to our pride in him as a man. He was simply the best a nephew could be. For many years Carl & Rachel hosted in their home the "Brenner Family Christmas Party," giving us all wonderful memories, among countless others. This dear, very special Carl will be in our hearts forever. Our love to Rachel, Jason, Anna, Luke, Bev, Judy and Debbie.
Aunt Cheryl & Uncle Dan Pacyna
December 11th, 2007 at 12:00am
Rachel and kids, I am so sorry for your loss. I know it has been a hard road to travel. Please be assured that you are in my thoughts and prayers. With Love, Viv
Vivian Lyman Henriksen
December 11th, 2007 at 12:00am
Carl was more like a brother than a cousin. I will always remember piggy back rides as a child, unwanted (but needed)advice as a teenager, and person to talk to when I visted our grandparents .Carl was most of all, one of the best listeners and non judgemental persons I have ever known. He is my cousin and friend. My thought are with you Rachel, Jason Anna ,Luke Aunt Bev, Judy and Debby.
Cousin Christy Pacyna-Miller
December 12th, 2007 at 12:00am
Our hearts go out to the family! Carl was well loved by all who knew him. If you need anything don't hesitate to let us know. Doug, Cherri & Mikayla Harris
Cherri Harris
December 12th, 2007 at 12:00am
Our family is thinking of yours at this time. We are with you in spirit. Carl was a patient person who generally wanted good for everyone. Our girls, Audrinna and Allsion had a great time at the cottage playing ping-pong with Carl. Although we are relatively new friends of the Brenners, it is clear to us what a wonderful family Carl headed up. We are very proud to know have known Carl. Just the short time we had with him, he made life changes in our life. Remember all the goodtimes, and you will have his children around to remind you of him. Apples do not fall far from trees.
Jean Anderson
December 12th, 2007 at 12:00am
I am sorry for your loss. I carry fond memories of Carl. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Michael Horan
December 12th, 2007 at 12:00am
Dave, Tim, and I are knew Carl through our trade association, PMPA. We remember him as one of the most optomistic, most trustworthy, and most grounded people we have been privileged to know. We have truely heard nothing but good words about Carl. Carl had a way of seeing the bright side of everything and knowing what was truely important in life. He spoke often about how lucky he was to have Rachel and how proud he was of his kids. We have a great deal of respect, love, and admiration for Carl. We know that Carl lives on; not only through Rachel and his children, but through all of the other people who's lives he enriched. There's no doubt, Carl made a difference in many ways. In Carl's honor, we have made a donation to the American Cancer Society. We wish Rachel and family the best. Sincerely, Dave, Tim, and Tom Halladay
Tom Halladay
December 12th, 2007 at 12:00am
Dear Rachel, While I only met Carl and you just once here in Ann Arbor, I knew instantly why my father spoke so fondly of you both. Carl's energy and genuine smile were hard to miss! Please know that you are in our prayers for peace and comfort. May your hearts mend and your memories be sweet and strong. Sincerely, Amy (Gerdes) Buege
Amy (Gerdes) Buege
December 12th, 2007 at 12:00am
Anna and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love and God Bless, The Washegesic's, Blair,s, and Guthrie's
Melissa Washegesic Blair
December 12th, 2007 at 12:00am
Beverly-I don't know if you remember me I am the daughter of Elke and Butch Barthel. I remember your husband and Carl from when my mom worked there many years ago. We were just talking about it today. I have fond memories of Carl and your late husband. The boat on the black river. My can remember Carl by his laugh and his beard when I went to see my mom when she worked at precision. My mom told me that Carl came by the house after my dad pasted away last year. What a reunion up in heaven. I can see them all. My deepest sympathy for your son Carl. Its good to have memories and to look back. I am glad I got to know some of your family and the family what I call the Brenner Boat. (Blue) haha what memories. Take care and keep your head up high during the holidays. With deepest sympathy Sabine Barthel-Callaghan
Sabine Barthel Callaghan
December 12th, 2007 at 12:00am
Carl and I graduated in the same class and lived in the same complex at MSU. I'm happy for him that he is no longer in pain, but certainly mourn his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Judy (Foster) Pearson
December 13th, 2007 at 12:00am
My sister just informed me about Carl's death. I'd like to offer my condolences to all of your family, especially Judy whom I knew in high school.
Beverly Sherman Edwards
December 13th, 2007 at 12:00am
Rachel & Family – A wonderful man, a wonderful friend, giving each that knew him wonderful memories to keep within our hearts. A Tue Blessing it was just in knowing Carl. He came into my life as an adolescent; he was a youth leader at the Kibbie Church where he taught many the arts involved in fishing, the rules of hunting, life-skills and shared his laughter within many camping and canoeing experiences on the weekends. Another childhood memory includes pinewood derby cars in a multi-church competition. I believe that Carl became a part of my life during that time and may be the largest influence, as to why I share my life now as a youth group leader at the Casco U.M.C. His love for the outdoors and family shown vividly each time we met, as he always talked of both. He had a passion for friendship, his Casco church, community along with an utmost honor with trust in his Lord. I never knew Carl to have anything but pride in whatever he took on. He gave everything he did in life, his all, something that again we all can learn from by his example. Thank-you Rachel, for keeping him strong in his every hour, he talked of that strength often over the years. I know Carl would be there for my family, and as well, mine is for you and yours, whatever it may be. To the many of cherished memories of a great friend and his unselfish insight to the reality of life’s, true meaning. Kindest Blessings, Allan S. Ridley & Family.
Allan S. Ridley Sr
December 14th, 2007 at 12:00am
So sorry to read of Carl's passing. We enjoyed knowing your family when Ben and Luke were growing up. May your feel God holding you.
Claudia & Al Newcomb
December 15th, 2007 at 12:00am
I did not know Carl- I am a close friend of his sister, Judy. I was surprised at hearing of his passing at this time. The last I had heard, he seemed to be holding his own. My condolences go out to Judy and to the entire family.
Loriann Nickmann
December 18th, 2007 at 12:00am
Rachel, What a shock to read about Carl in the SH Paper. I will never forget his kindness back in 1983 when your family so graciously opened your home to my family when we were moving to Indianapolis. I have a vivid memory of Carl saying a special blessing for us at dinner one evening. I remember when you two started dating and how lucky you both felt to find each other! He was truly one of a kind! God bless your family, Janice
Janice Hamlin Peterson
December 21st, 2007 at 12:00am
hi i went to school with anna and luke brenner and i knew there mother rachel im sooo sorry about ur loss may the peace of god be with you and i will be praying for comfort as you guys are hurting
melisa widner
November 20th, 2009 at 12:00am