Verland Brenner

Verland Brenner, 85, formerly of Junction City, died on Thursday, December 6, 2012 at Rosewood Manor Nursing Home in Estherville, Iowa. Verland Allen Brenner was born Dec. 30, 1926 in Woodbine, KS to Albert and Rosie Brenner of Woodbine, KS. Verland was the fourth of five children and spent his early years attending several rural schools: Kickapoo, Lyona, as well as Woodbine schools. He attended Woodbine High School and Chapman High School before working on the family farm.

He later studied at Christian Training Institute in Edmonton, Alberta Canada where he met Tena deVries of Ochre River, Manitoba Canada. On Aug. 9, 1952, Verland married Tena at Grace Baptist Church in Ochre River, Manitoba, after which he returned to farming south of Junction City, KS. Together they were blessed with three children: Myron Allen, Deborrah Susan, and Mark Daniel.

Their growing years were spent on Lyons Creek Road with family and friends while making First Baptist Church of Junction City their spiritual place of service. Later Ver took a position with International Harvester in Herington, KS working as a mechanic before joining the Kansas State Highway Department where he remained until his retirement.

On December 28, 1978, Verland's wife, Tena, passed away from cancer. Verland married Lillie Warner on March 28, 1980, residing at the family home on Lyons Creek Road, where they enjoyed their family, friends, and church as well as their own hobbies for many years. In 2011, Verland moved to Estherville, IA to be closer to his son Myron until his recent home-going to Heaven.

Verland is survived by his wife Lillie of Junction City, KS, a sister Orpha Hooge of Kearney, NE; a brother Robert Brenner of Clovis, CA; a sister Kathryn Younkin of Manhattan, KS; three children: Myron (Nancy) Brenner of Estherville, IA, Debbie (Mark) Congrove of West Olive, MI; Mark (Jennifer) Brenner of Manhattan, KS; 17 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; several step children and grandchildren.

Verland was preceded in death by his wife Tena, his parents Albert and Rosie Brenner, his brother Harold Brenner, grandson Seth Brenner, and great granddaughter, Jean Danielle Brenner.

Friends may greet the family at Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel, 203 N. Washington St. in Junction City, KS on Thursday, December 13, from 6 - 8 pm. The memorial service will be conducted at the Chapel on Friday, December 14 at 2:00 pm. with Rev. Mark J. Congrove officiating. Internment will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery south of Junction City. Any memorials can be designated to the Brenner-Zoschke Family Reunion scholarship fund, for the perpetuation of their family heritage and Spiritual legacy, which proved very important to Verland.