Elwin D. Breniser, age 90, a lifelong resident of Gregory, MI, passed away on February, 5, 2020. The son of Ralph D. and Hazel (Rowe) Breniser, he was born June 28, 1929 at home in Gregory. On January 4, 1953, Elwin married Eleanor M. Topping in Stockbridge.
Elwin served in the 2nd Armored “Hell on Wheels” Division of the Army during the Korean War, and he was a life member of the American Legion Mackinder-Glenn Post #510. On his return home, he joined his father at Breniser and Son Garage as a skilled mechanic. When his children were still young, he purchased the farm he said as a child he would own because of his love for “Central Mountain,” remaining a business owner and farmer for many years. He later sold his business, and farmed until he passed away. Elwin served 40 years on the Unadilla Township Fire Department, many as Chief, and was a member of the Stockbridge Community School Board, serving his last year as President and overseeing the building of the new high school. He loved playing and watching all sports, later playing golf and watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren play sports--and he rarely missed a game. Elwin also loved to hunt and fish, and he was a long-time member of the Clinton Rod and Gun Club, as well as a Charter Member of the famed Isaac Walton Society.
Survivors include children, Mary (Jeff) Caskey of Stockbridge, and Diane “Teen” (Michael) Johnson of Ann Arbor; grandchildren, Brad Caskey (Morgan Lukenich and children, Hayley and James) of Stockbridge, Sarah (Josh) McAlister of Munith, Daniel Johnson and Angela Johnson of Ann Arbor; three great-grandchildren, Joslynn Caskey, Shane Caskey, and Mason McAlister; and sister, Joyce Monte of Washington, MI.
Elwin was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor, and sisters, Arlene Harvey and Jackie Brunais.
A Funeral Service is scheduled for Sunday, February 9, 2020, 2:00 p.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI, Rev. Deb Smith officiating. Visitation is on Saturday, February 8, 2020, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Legion Mackinder-Glenn Post #510 or the Unadilla Township Fire Department.
