Melvin Joseph BrennerMelvin Joseph Brenner, 87, formerly of Marine City, died on Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at Caretel Inns of Linden in Linden, Michigan. He was born on August 4, 1929 in Marine City, Michigan to the late Joseph and Mathilda (Moser) Brenner.  He married Mildred Grace Humrich on October 22, 1955, in St. John's Lutheran Church, Fowlerville, Michigan.  She preceded him in death on May 10, 2013.Hard work, compassion, patience, humility and gentleness were the hallmarks of Melvin's life.  When he was sixteen, his father died, leaving him with the family farm.  He worked to keep the farm going in early mornings and late evenings, while continuing his high school studies and graduating as salutatorian of his class.  He lived every day "seeking first to understand."  He caused all those around him to feel loved, and to believe in themselves.  Throughout his life, he continued to engage others in friendship - at his job at Consumer's Energy, his various church communities, and, finally, at Caretel.  He was happiest while tending iris gardens with Mildred, spending time with his family, working the fields on his tractor, petting a dog or listening to beautiful music.  His faith was his strength; it guided his words, his actions and his enduring belief that his life, as well as the lives of all God's creatures, were gifts to be treasured.  Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Michael Bloom of Fenton; granddaughter, Lauren (Matthew) Bloom Ritchey of Ann Arbor; sisters-in-law, Joan Eckert of Lansing, Kathryn Humrich of Gregory and Dorothy Humrich of Webberville; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Melvin was preceded in death by infant son, Charles Joseph Brenner; sister Florence (Alvin) Osterland, sisters-in-law Lillian (Fred) Anderson and Shirley (Ferd) Gennrich; brothers-n-law Carl (Mary) Humrich, Ralph Humrich, and Lawrence Humrich.Melvin's family would like to offer heartfelt gratefulness to the staff of Caretel Inns of Linden, where he (and previously his wife) had been "guests" for over eight years.  They became part of our extended family, and their genuine love and care surrounded him daily.  Services will be held Wednesday, November 23, 2016, at 11:00 am, in St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 6745 Palms Rd., Fair Haven 48023, with Pastor Steve Hoerr and Pastor Jim Rolf officiating.  Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Marine City.The family will receive visitors at Bower-Rose Funeral Home, Marine City, on Tuesday from 2-5 and 6-8 pm and in the church on Wednesday from 10 am until the time of the service. Memorials, to honor the memory of Melvin, may be made to the Salvation Army.  To send condolences, visit:www.bowerrosefuneralhome.com