John Anthony Brenneke, 90, of Jefferson City, passed away Sunday, January 26, 2014, at Audrain Medical Center in Mexico, Missouri.
He was born on October 18, 1923, in St. Elizabeth, the son of the late Joseph and Katherine (Lueckenhoff) Brenneke. John served with the United States Navy during World War II as a barber on the USS Bunker Hill. He was united in marriage on October 18, 1948, in Argyle, Missouri to Agnes Gertrude Wieberg who still survives. John graduated from St. Louis Barber College in 1947, and spent the next 61 years as a barber at Johnny's Barber Shop in Jefferson City. He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church where he served as an usher, collections counter, and helped decorate the church for Christmas. He was also a member of the American Legion, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Holy Name Society, Dan C. Coppin 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Westphalia 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus, USS Bunker Hill Association, Ships Club 5, charter member of Jefferson City Central Laborer Council, and a life member of VFW Post 1003. John also helped with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.
John enjoyed fishing and bowling but especially loved being with his wife, children, and grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Agnes, he is survived by four children, Michael Brenneke, Jefferson City; Marla (Mark) Lane, Loose Creek; Michelle (Curt) Kliethermes, Linn; Linda (Bryan) Wyss, Vienna; Five grandchildren, Brandon Brenneke, Chelsea Kliethermes, Bryce Kliethermes, Colby Meckfessel, Hunter Wyss; four great-grandchildren; and four siblings, Lawrence (Margaret) Brenneke; Martha (Victor) Wieberg; Marie (Victor) Bushjost; and Clarence (Henrietta) Brenneke, all of Jefferson City.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Johnathon Brenneke. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday, January 30, 2014, at St. Peter Catholic Church with the Rev. Gregory C. Meystrik officiating. Entombment with military honors will be in Resurrection Mausoleum. Visitation will be 4:30-7 p.m. Wednesday at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with a prayer service at 4 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Mexico Veteran's Home, #1 Veterans Drive, Mexico, Mo 65265; St. Peter Catholic Church Capital Campaign, 216 Broadway Street, Jefferson City, Mo 65101; or a charity of the donor's choice.
Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
My prayers for the family at the loss of John. I worked for John many years ago. He was a great employer and a great person. I will always be grateful for everything I learned from him.
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was my barber for several years before he retired. I loved to hear John’s stories about his younger days in St. Elizabeth (where I also grew up) and from when he was a barber in WWII. John was a terrific person and I am so glad I got to know him. Rest in peace, John.
I was so sorry to hear about John’s passing. My mom Celia was his neighbor for many years there, and we all have such great memories of John. He was such a sweet, warm and wonderful man. Mom has often said how lucky she and Dad were to have John and Agnes as neighbors. We are sending prayers and comforting thoughts as you mourn the loss of a great man. Blessings and love, Lisa Luebbert
I will always remember going fishing at the Lake of the Ozarks with Linda, Michelle and Uncle John. We would laugh and laugh playing cards in the camper. Uncle John showed us the “proper” way to catch crappe!!! Thank you Uncle John for being the wonderful awesome uncle you are! I love you.