Brenner, Dr. Douglas (1952-2010)
BRENNER, MARIANI, ALIS, PRICHARD, ASHELY, LINDSAY, HAUKAP, SCHMIDT, BRUECK
Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 8/5/2010 at 04:00:51
Dr. Douglas Brenner
September 08, 1952 - July 20, 2010Peoria, Arizona
Dr. Douglas Francis Brenner, PhD., age 57, passed away on July 20, 2010, at his home in Peoria, AZ, after an arduous and courageous battle with Lymphoma.
Doug was born September 8, 1952, in Alta, IA, to Harold and Eileen Brenner. In his early life, Doug was an Iowa farm boy who retained a deep love for the rich land of his birth.
A lover of learning, Doug went on to achieve his doctorate in Communications from The University of Nebraska in 1984. He allso studied Church Music and Liturgy at Loyola University in Chicago, IL, from 1986-87. He taught at various colleges and universities throughout the Midwest before becoming tenured at the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, where he lived and worked for 12 years.
In 1997, he received his MEd. in Educational Media and Computers at ASU while on sabbatical from USD. In 2000 Doug accepted a position at Glendale Community College, in Glendale, AZ, where he continued to work through his illness.
After 48 years of perennial bachelorhood, Doug met his Sweet Sweetie, Jacquelyn Mariani, in October of 2000 at the Red Road Gathering in Vermillion, SD. While attending the Gathering, Doug received healing work from Jacquelyn and knew there was something special. They married in York, ME, August 9, 2002. Shortly after, they settled into their new home in Peoria, AZ. While never having had the opportunity to become a birth father, Doug gained two children through marriage. Doug was present at and witnessed the birth of his stepson James’ son James Joseph on May 5, 2006, born at home in Doug and Jacquelyn’s house in Peoria, Az. He was the first person beside the parents to hold little Jamesy, and with that, a grandfather was born. He was known as “Bumpa”.
A spiritual seeker all his life, Doug traveled throughout the US and abroad searching out the answers to life's mysteries and his own purpose. He traveled to the jungles of Africa and the peaks of the Andes, studying with many medicine people and shamans. When recently asked by a colleague what the most spiritual experience of his life was, he answered being present at the birth of his grandson.
Doug's greatest passions were teaching and music. An accomplished keyboardist, he shared his enthusiasm and talent whenever given the chance. He played at family gatherings and community events using his extensive experience as a church organist as his foundation.
With a teaching career spanning 37 years, his deep devotion to his students and higher learning speaks for itself. While having endured harsh and debilitating treatments for his disease throughout the fall and winter of 2009, his goal remained to return to the classroom for the spring semester, which he accomplished, much to amazement of his family, colleagues and friends. Doug finished the semester only weeks before being hospitalized for his final effort to save his life. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones.
Survived by his beloved wife Jacquelyn of almost 8 years, children: Isisanne Alis, James Prichard, Shiloh Ashely, Ramona Lindsay; grandchildren: James Joseph Prichard, Nyra and Caleb Lindsay; brothers: Steven, Allen, Dennis, and Robert; sister: Nancy Haukap; aunt: Bette Schmidt; cherished cousins: Dixie Brueck and John Schmidt, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, kitties, colleagues, and his many students whom he carried in his heart always.
A celebration of his life and memorial service will be held at his home, 9240 West Sunnyslope Lane, Peoria, AZ 85345, Sunday, July 25, 2010, at 3:30 PM, a pot luck meal to follow the services.
Graveside committal service Saint Joseph's Catholic Cemetery Schaller, Iowa, Saturday, July 31, 2010, at 11:00 AM, a noon meal to follow the service at Saint Joseph's Church, Schaller, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a scholarship fund to be set up for Doug's grandson James Joseph Prichard. Contact James E. Prichard, PO Box 470, Berwick Maine 85345
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