Marion R. Brening 1936–2024
Marion Brening, 87, of Marengo, died peacefully, surrounded by her family, at DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center, on November 10, 2024.
Marion was born in Chicago on November 13, 1936, to Henry and Dorothea (nee Wiegel) Riemer. Tenth of their twelve children, Marion graduated from Arlington Heights High School in 1954, and worked switchboard for Illinois Bell Telephone in Bensenville. She met the love of her life, Arthur Brening at a farmer’s dance in the Bensenville Fire Hall.
They were married on November 24, 1956 at St. John’s Evangelical and Reformed Church in Bensenville. A few years later, they settled in Marengo, where they farmed and raised their two daughters. Marion was very dedicated to her family, assisting her husband in the operations of the farm. She was a meticulous housekeeper, gardener and marvelous cook, hosting meals in the middle of a bean field when necessary. Adept at multi-tasking, Marion tended loads of laundry while awaiting grain trucks or wagons to unload. In her leisure, she enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs, sewing, and playing Bingo.
Marion is survived by her daughters: Linda (Martin) O’Connor and Laurie (Gary) Pfaffinger, her grandchildren: Jennifer (Tyler) Kunde, Katelyn (Cevin) Helfvogt, and Brian O’Connor, her great-grandchildren: Arianna and Vivian Clancy, Hayden and Travis Helfvogt, and Fiona O’Connor. She is also survived by her sister, Emily Lehman, and brother, Donald (Pat) Riemer.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Art, five sisters, Sophie Stalzer, Emily Parker, Bertha Finke, Esther Lehman, and Dorothy Carlson, and four brothers, David, Fred, Henry and Armin Riemer.
A special thank you to Mom’s entire Care Team at DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center and Northern Illinois Hospice for their vigilant, compassionate and professional care. We are grateful to them for her peaceful transition.
Visitation will be Friday, November 15, 2024, from 9 a.m. to time of funeral service 11 a.m. at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
Interment to follow service at Harmony Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Marion's name can be made to:
Northern Illinois Hospice Foundation
4751 Harrison Avenue, Rockford, IL 61108
https://northernillinoishospice.org/give/donate-now/
or to:
St. John’s UCC Harmony
P.O. Box 367
Hampshire IL 60140
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So sorry to hear about Marion. Sympathy to the Brenning family. Another one of the OLD GANG gone. Pains are gone and she is back with the love of her life.
My deepest sympathy to all the family. Marion and I went to Arlington High School together and later enjoyed friendship together with all of the old gang. So sad to hear of her passing. Hope you will find peace through all the memories you have.
Pat and I will miss my sister Marion. Like our mother she exhibited a love for her family and friends. She was fiercely protective of her family. Marion always endeavored to seek the best in each human being and share those qualities with the rest of us in the family. She will be missed.
My sincere sympathy to Marion’s family. I always enjoyed whenever I saw her. She had a beautiful smile and was always so kind to me.
Only smiles when I remember Aunt Marion. The good times we had together will always be remembered.
Herzlichen Beileid,viel Kräft in dieser schweren Zeit.
Sorry to hear this news about Aunt Marion. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Tonya and I will always remember aunt Marion’s kind and fun disposition. Our families condolences to all of hers and at peace for a memorable full life.
Tonya and I will always remember aunt Marion’s kind and fun disposition. Our families condolences to all of hers and at peace for a memorable full life.
Tonya and I will always remember aunt Marion’s kind and fun disposition. Our families condolences to all of hers and at peace for a memorable full life.
Tonya and I will always remember aunt Marion’s kind and fun disposition. Our families condolences to all of hers and at peace for a memorable full life.
Tonya and I will always remember aunt Marion’s kind and fun disposition. Our families condolences to all of hers and at peace for a memorable full life.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May she rest in peace now and join uncle Art to live their lives together in eternity. Many ((Hugs)) sent to all of you and all your family members.
I was Aunt Marion's niece from CA. I did not know her well -- being so far away, but I always heard that she was a wonderful person and so good to her daughters. Looking at the photo I see so much resemblance in my mom, Emily Parker, who passed in 2015. Mothers are special and Aunt Marion was so. With God's grace, she is in heaven with Uncle Art. My deepest condolences to all.