Irvin F.J. Brenaman Jr.

Irvin F. J. Brenaman, Jr., Age 73, was surrounded by family when he was born to Eternal Life on December 31, 2021. He was a loving and supportive father of Brian Brenaman, Keith (Margaret) Brenaman, Jamelee (James) Sarow and Nathan (Sarah) Brenaman. A beloved papa of Lucas, Emma, Tessa, Mackenzie, Hannah, Presley, Sienna, Phoenix, Brady, and Liam. A brother of Rosalie (the late Mark Sr.) Guzman and Janice Vele. Also loved by Carmen Aleman, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Irv, or “D” as his children lovingly referred to him, was born December 3, 1948 in Appleton, WI. His parents, Irvin Sr. and Frances, raised him in Milwaukee along with his sisters, Rosalie and Janice. He graduated from UW-Milwaukee with an Accounting degree and later went on to become a Certified Public Accountant. He raised his four children in West Allis as a single parent. It gave him great pride to be a participant in his kid’s lives by coaching, keeping record of basketball stats or race splits, volunteering his time to various activities, and being the loudest spectator at a race or game. This enthusiasm carried on into his grandchildren’s lives. Irv loved being a papa. One thing was for certain, he was always there for his family. Faith too, has always played an instrumental role in Irv’s life. He explored the path of priesthood while he attended St. Columban’s seminary. However, God called him in a different direction. Even though this was the case, he still devoted his life to his faith by volunteering, singing in the choir, and teaching religious education. His recent volunteer efforts were numerous. The St. Leonard South Side Meal Program was near to his heart. Saying Irv was a huge sports enthusiast is an understatement. As an adult, he played on bowling, softball, and basketball leagues and enjoyed an intense game of racquetball. Golf was his most recent passion. No matter what the weather was, Irv could be found slicing drives off the tees. He also loved to watch any Wisconsin team play. Some may argue he got a little too passionate, especially while watching a Green Bay Packers game! Irv didn’t have many material wants and needs, yet he had many different facets to him. He was a continuous life learner always looking to self-improve. He was a critical thinker always challenging the status quo. He was selfless sometimes to a fault and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. Many colleagues have mentioned his strong work ethic. He’d say, “If you go out with the boys at night, you have to go to work with the men in the morning.” Everyone who knows Irv, knows 2 things for certain: 1. A good dad joke is never lost on him. “You can tune a piano, but you can’t tuna fish.” 2. Chocolate chip cookies should be crispy and eaten often. Irv touched a lot of people’s lives and will forever hold a special place in all of our hearts. Visitation and mass will be at St. Leonard’s Catholic Church (W173S7743 Westwood Dr. Muskego, WI 53150) on Friday, January 7, 2021. Visitation is 2:00-3:45 with a 4:00 mass to follow. Private Interment. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to “St. Leonard South Side Meal Program” which will provide for those in need. A very special thank you to Dr. Bodager and Dr. Strong along with the nurses at Waukesha Memorial Hospital for their exceptional care.