Arthur Brenke

Arthur Walter Brenke, age 72, of Blissfield passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at his home under the loving care of his family and Hospice of Lenawee.

He was born on July 4, 1944 at home in Blissfield, Michigan to Arthur W. and Irma E. (Papenhagen) Brenke.  Art was a 1962 graduate of Blissfield High School and on January 29, 1965, he married Diana Jean Rittner in Ottawa Lake, Michigan.  She survives.

Art was a self-employed farmer and also worked as a factory laborer for many years.  Along with farming and factory work, he worked in the insurance industry, ending his working years being self-employed and owning Brenke Crop Insurance.  Art was a lifetime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Riga.  He enjoyed traveling, woodworking, camping and wintering in Mission, Texas.  Most of all, he enjoyed being in the presence of his dear family.
In addition to his wife, Diana, he is survived by his two daughters, Holly (Gregory) Butts of Blissfield and Heather (Mark) Raschke of Westland, MI; three grandchildren, Aaron and Emily Butts and Andrew Raschke; two sisters, Sharon (Jim) Wilkes of Blissfield and Brenda (Michael) Andrix of Riga and numerous nieces and nephews.  Art was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Christina Marie Brenke.
A memorial service to celebrate Art’s life was held at 11 a.m. November 7, 2016 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Riga with Pastor James Seelow officiating.  Visitation was from 1 – 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 6, 2016 at the Anderson Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield and also on Monday from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. at the church in Riga.  A private family burial of Art’s ashes will take place at a later date.
You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com.  Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee.  Envelopes are available at Anderson Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.