Cadillac - Doris Whitman Brenneman, of Lake City formerly of Cadillac and Detroit, passed away on Monday, August 7, 2017 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, with family by her side. She was 90.

Doris was born on March 4, 1927, in Tuscumbia, Alabama to Elbert B. and Nellie G. (Thomas) Fowler.  After making her way to Michigan, by way of a short time in Tennessee, Doris began classes at Wayne State University while working as a registered dental assistant.  It was at the university during a chemistry class where Doris created some chemistry of her own with another student, Joseph Michael Brenneman.  The two began a life together as husband and wife on April 10, 1954, in Detroit.

Doris was able to attain her lifelong dream of becoming an English teacher. She continued her education while raising a son and a daughter, running a home daycare, and attending night school.  She received her B.A. from Wayne State and her Masters Degree from Eastern Michigan University.  Following retirement in 1985, Doris and Joe built a home in Cadillac where, together, they enjoyed many years of friendship, fellowship and community. They also traveled extensively in their Motor Home seeing the country and attending Elder hostels. They later made their home at Belle Oakes Assisted Living Center in Lake City.

Doris was strong in her faith, and an active and supportive member of United Methodist Church.  She could often be found  reading, gardening, working crossword and jigsaw puzzles, doing cross-stitch, and adding to her collection of lighthouses, giraffes and frogs.  Doris loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.  She was a member of the Cadillac Women's Club where for 12 years she co-chaired the Kris Kringle Project. She was also a member of the Cherry Grove Auxiliary, chairing their annual bake sale.  Doris continued her passion for teaching as a volunteer tutor in a third grade classroom in Lake City, even as she turned 90. She will be remembered for her patriotism, her faith, her love for family, and her genuine and compassionate friendship.

Doris  is survived by her loving family; her son, John Brenneman of Oswego, IL; daughter, Linda (Duncan) Ferguson of Homewood, IL; grandchildren, Devonie McLarty, Justin Brenneman, Kyla Brenneman, Ryan Ferguson, and Brendan Ferguson; as well as many other loving family members, good neighbors and friends.

She was preceded in death by parents, an infant sister, Frances, her daughter-in-law, Lorrie Brenneman, and her husband, Joe, after 52 years of marriage in 2006.

Memorial services will be take place at 11am, on Monday, August 14, 2017 at the Cadillac United Methodist Church, with visitation one hour prior.
Her urn will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband Joe at the Cherry Grove Township Cemetery in Cadillac.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Cadillac Women’s Club towards the scholarship fund at 108 Timber Trail, LeRoy, MI 49655

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