NEW BEDFORD — Robert Martin Brenneke, 80, of South Dartmouth, died on Monday, May 14, 2007, at St. Luke's Hospital after a long illness. He was the husband of Joan (Stuck) Brenneke, and the son of the late Colonel Charles H. Brenneke and Alice (Dyer) Brenneke.
Mr. Brenneke was a graduate of New Hampton School of New Hampton, New Hampshire. He was a lifelong member of Grace Episcopal Church of New Bedford where he sang in the church choir, and was one of it's first acolytes. In later years he served on the Vestry, he also served a head of the usher corps for several years. He was asked by the rector to head a drive to raise money for the restoration of the bell tower, and over a period of 4 years as a committee of one, he raised a total of $51,324.00 for this project. At which time he was appointed as chimer, a position he held until his death. At the turn of the century, Mr. Brenneke arranged for all churches in the greater New Bedford area to join in the celebration on New Years Eve to play their bells which turned out to be a tremendous success.
A veteran of World War II, and also the Korean War, he was the holder of the Combat Infantry Badge, The European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, The Victory Medal, The Occupation of Germany Medal, The National Defense Medal, The Good Conduct Medal, The United Nations Medal, The Korean War Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, and the Korean Presidential Unit Medal.
Following the end of World War II, Mr. Brenneke was assigned to the 6850th Internal Security Detachment of the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg, Germany. This was the outfit that ran the famous War crime trials. His assignments here was running the security of the prison where the 21 top Nazi prisoners were housed. Following his return home once the trials ended, he did a great deal of traveling and lecturing on his experiences.
While in Korea, Mr. Brenneke was assigned to the 772 Military Police Battalion running railroad security up to the front lines.
An avid dog lover, Mr. Brenneke was the founder of Professional Dog Grooming Services, which he started in 1960, and continued until his death. He had the distinction of being the first person in the greater New Bedford area to professionally groom dogs. He had customers from as far away as Chatham, and summer residents from the Vineyard and Cuttyhunk Island who would send their dogs to the mainland via airplane. He also had the distinction of having been a professional groomer for over 42 years. A former member of the Bristol County Dog Training Club Inc., he served as it's vice president and then it's president for many years. He was on the board of Directors of the Animal Rescue League, where he was made a life member and again here he served as both Vice President, and then President. Mr. Brenneke was one of the founders of the New England Association of Obedience Clubs and Judges, where he was the first treasurer and served for a total of 12 years in that position.
A member of Post One of the American Legion for over 50 years, he is survived by his widow; three daughters, Heide E. Nunes of Dartmouth, Laurie J. Rollins of Acushnet and Dayna R. Brenneke-Vieira of Tiverton, RI; and one granddaughter, Julia Alexandria Vieira.
Funeral arrangements are with the Wilson Chapel of New Bedford with visitation on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. His service will take place on Friday, May 18th at 10 a.m. in Grace Episcopal Church, County and School Sts., New Bedford. Remembrances may be made in his name to the Belfrey Maintenance Fund of the church, 133 School St., New Bedford 02740.