Clifford Leroy Brenneman, 94
Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 1 hour, 43 minutes AGO
Clifford Leroy Brenneman, 94, was born April 7, 1931, in Tofield, Alberta to Daniel D. and Mary Ellen (Kauffman) Brenneman and completed his journey on earth Feb. 22, 2026. Clifford moved with his family to Creston in 1942 and lived the remainder of his life under the big sky, framed in the backdrop of the Swan Range.
In line with his Anabaptist faith, Clifford served with PAX as a Conscientious Objector, helping rebuild Europe after World War II. On Sept. 9, 1955, he married Shirley Jean Oesch and together they raised seven children on their dairy farm east of Kalispell. He chose a life of farming because he wanted to have time for his children. He coached Little League teams, refereed basketball games and attended countless Flathead Brave football, basketball and soccer games to support his children and grandchildren, and man, could he play Scrabble. At Scrabble, he was deceptively competitive and won more often than he lost, doing so with a gentle smile.
Clifford showed up for his church and his Creston community. He served as a volunteer fireman and was part of the first group to organize what has become a fundraising phenomenon called the Creston Auction. At church, he lived out his Anabaptist faith, showing a deep commitment to learning from the Scriptures and truly living the basic principles of love, grace and forgiveness. At home, he practiced daily devotion and prayer for his children and grandchildren. Consistent commitment helped him live a life worth emulating.
He is survived by his children, David (Lorri), Mary (Lowell) Yoder, Calvin (Twila), Joyce (Doug) Gross, Karen (Jerrold) Moon and Carl (Amber), 21; grandchildren; six great-grandchildren (with two on the way); sister, Kathryn Lapp and brother, Delbert (Lola).
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; son, Joseph Brenneman; granddaughter, Erin Brenneman; sister, Bertha Hochstetler and brothers-in-law, Owen Hochstetler and George Lapp.
Clifford lived a life of kindness and generosity, and his family is grateful for the rich legacy he has given us. A celebration of life service will be held in the summer of 2026. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.