John Robert Brehmer, 81, of Orchid, passed away on April 25, 2015, surrounded by family members and loved ones.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Susan; his three daughters Kate, Janis, and Susan; and three grandchildren Cal, Ted, and McKenna.
Born in Forest Hills, N.Y. on March 27, 1934, he obtained a mechanical engineering degree from Princeton University in 1955 and later received an MBA from the University of Chicago in Hyde Park, Ill.
Brehmer met his wife Susan Osberg in Minneapolis, Minn., and was married on Nov. 11, 1961. Having resided in Evanston and Deerfield, Ill., they eventually settled in a Fox River Valley community called Trout Valley where they raised their three daughters.
Brehmer held various positions within the community, was politically active, loved animals and nature, and embraced life with an adventurous spirit. He was most proud of his work as a mechanical engineer. Having worked for Stewart-Warner for 25 years, he worked his way up the professional ranks from Chief Product Engineer to Director of Manufacturing. He was instrumental in devising an oil mist application process that was eventually used in large mechanical systems and oil refineries.
After vacationing in the “Sunshine State” for many years, Brehmer and Sue permanently moved to Orchid Florida in 1999 where he continued to be socially and civically active. His passions included reading, politics, and bridge. He was a lifelong tennis and golf player and especially enjoyed boating on the Florida waterways.
He was respected and admired by many and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach. A guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com A private family service is planned.
