Clifford Leroy Brenneman, 94
Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 4 days, 16 hours AGO
Clifford Leroy Brenneman was born April 7, 1931, in Tofield, Alberta, Canada, 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. This consistent commitment helped him live a life worth emulating.
He is survived by his children, David (Lorri), Mary Yoder (Lowell), Calvin (Twila), Joyce Gross (Doug), Karen Moon (Jerrold) 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 at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, at Mountain View Mennonite Church in Creston.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.