Brenneman Funeral Home

10/22/2026

Julie Ann Hamilton

December 2, 1959 – October 20, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Julie Ann Hamilton on October 20, 2026, at the age of 66, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on December 2, 1959, Julie brought light, creativity, and boundless devotion to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Julie lived her life centered around the family she adored. She was the loving mother of Kelly (Mike) and Kendra (Derek), and the proudest “Nana J” to her cherished grandchildren: Bronwyn, Jael, Olivia, and Hunter. Her love and warmth will remain a lasting guiding light for all of them.

She was a dear sister to Rob (Leanne), Scott (Leanne), and Kim (Nick), and a beloved aunt to many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Julie is now reunited with her beloved parents, Barry and Helen Hamilton, and her precious granddaughter, Anniston Elizabeth Guy, who predeceased her.

Julie possessed an extraordinary artistic talent. To Julie, the world was a canvas, whether it was traditional canvas, a bag, a stone, or a wall, her creative hands and vivid imagination transformed everyday objects into something truly amazing. Her artwork and creative spirit leave a lasting beauty in the lives of those she touched.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Brenneman Funeral Home in Atwood on October 28 2026 from 12 PM-3 PM. Interment at Elma Centre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Brightshores Health System Foundation - Owen Sound. Online condolences may be left at www.brennemanfuneralhome.ca

10/11/2026

June 14, 1936 - October 9, 2026

Edward Allan Martin, formerly of Listowel, passed away at the age of 89.

Beloved husband of Dorothy Jean (Mills) Martin, whom he married on September 29, 1962. Dear friend of Barry & Donna Hutchison.

Predeceased by his parents, Robert Martin and Amy (Holmes) Martin. Brother of Pat (Ken) Koch. Brother-in-law of Donna (the late Ed) Conrad and Vern (Pauline) Mills.

Fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Allan was born in Grey Township, Huron County, and spent his working years as a dedicated dairy farmer. He took great pride in his herd of Guernsey cattle, earning three prestigious Master Breeder Awards from the Canadian Guernsey Association. As well as raising Fullblood Limousin Cattle.

Allan also had a lifelong love of John Deere tractors.

Allan was a dedicated member of the Loyal Orange Lodge, having served as Lodge Master and holding the position of Secretary for over 60 years. He was also a member of Calvary United Church.

Visitation will be held at Brenneman Funeral Home, 141 John Street, Atwood, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.

Interment to follow in Elma Centre Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the Listowel Memorial Hospital Foundation, Calvary United Church, or Riverview Retirement Home would be appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to Brenneman Funeral Home, Atwood.

09/15/2026

Robert Russell Pestell of Brussels passed away September 13, 2026.
Robert was born to Russell William Pestell and Mary Elizabeth Pestell (Smith). The youngest of ten siblings, Robert grew up on the family farm on the 17th Line of Monkton.
He spent his early years working on the family farm before studying carpentry at Conestoga College. Robert put those skills to work building barns and later worked for Royal Homes.
Robert leaves behind his pride and joys, his daughters Kelly Ann (Mike Guy) and Kendra Faye (Derek Brown) Kincardine, and his grandchildren Bronwyn, Jael, Olivia and Hunter.
Robert was predeceased by his parents, Russell and Mary Pestell, and his granddaughter, Anniston Guy and his siblings, Donna Nicholls, Jack, Joe, Rae, Lorriane Dewar, and Delores Buchanan.
He will also be remembered by his siblings Mary Strachan, Larry Pestell and Faye Welsh and extended family.
Friends and family are welcome to join a celebration of life on Saturday September 19, 2026 from 1-4 PM at Brenneman Funeral Home, 141 John St Atwood. Interment to follow at Elma Centre Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Listowel Memorial Hospital would be appreciated by the family.

09/08/2026

Put a Kind Deed in Your Feed

September 8th will always hold a special place in our hearts at Brenneman Funeral Home.
During our very first summer here, we had the privilege of caring for Heidi Schlumpf, a young mother of four who left behind a beautiful legacy of kindness.
Each year on Heidi’s birthday, we honour her by taking part in Put a Kind Deed in Your Feed - doing something kind and sharing it in hopes that kindness keeps spreading.
This year, our kind deed is for the kids.
We are making a donation to the North Perth Sports for Kids Fund, helping local children access sports and recreation opportunities when finances might otherwise stand in the way.
We hope you’ll join us today and do something kind and Put a Kind Deed in Your Feed.
Kindness doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. Buy someone a coffee. Hold a door. Send an encouraging message. Help a neighbour. Make someone smile. Big or small, kindness matters.
Happy Birthday Heidi. 🤍
Your kindness is still moving.

09/02/2026

Joseph Verkley

Joe Verkley passed away at home on Tuesday September 1, 2026 in his 76th year.

Loving son of the late Peter & Gezina Verkley. Cherished brother of John and Patti-Joe Verkley, Anne Marie Verkley, Paul Verkley, Frank and Susan Verkley, Cecilia Verkley, Maria and the late Don Green, Phil and Doreen Verkley, Ed and Nora Verkley, Tom and Cathy Verkley, David and Patricia Verkley, Jeff and Teresa Verkley. Fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was a past president of the Atwood Lions club and past president of the Optimist club of Middlesex-London. He will be missed by his friends at the Listowel Curling Club and his neighbours he had through his farming community in Elma. He was passionate about woodworking and the animals on the farm.

Friends are welcome for a celebration of life on Saturday September 5, 2026 from 1-4 PM at the Brenneman Funeral Home, 141 John St, Atwood. Donations may be made to a charity of choice. Online condolences may be made at www. Brennemanfuneralhome.ca. Arrangements entrusted to Brenneman Funeral Home Atwood.

07/26/2026

Join us today at 2PM for the funeral service of Murray Bancroft

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

07/21/2026

Murray John Bancroft
August 7, 1930- July 20, 2026

Born in a Caradoc Township, Middlesex County farmhouse on August 7, 1930, Murray lived a long and productive life until his passing at Knollcrest Lodge, Milverton on July 20, 2026 just days shy of his 96th birthday.

Murray was predeceased by his son John, the mother of his children, Mary (Wodskou), his parents Norman and Alice (Whitney) and his brothers Neil and Ewart.

With many memories, he is remembered by his wife Jennet (Ward), his children Margaret (Bruce), late John (Elaine), Mark (Helen) and Peter (Kate) his grandchildren of whom he was very proud, Michael (Kendall), Krista (Corey), Kayla (John), Matthew (Anna), Lindy (Shane) and Doretta and his great grandchildren Auston, Clara, Blair, John, Carter, Micah, Ruby and Nora. Also remembered by George and Odeyne Wodskou and Susan Bancroft, nieces, nephews, cousins and the Ward family.

Murray attended SS No1 Mornington, Milverton High School and was one of the last remaining members of the Ontario Agricultural College class of '53. He maintained lifelong friendships with his classmates and was very proud that he and Mary were the first of three family generations of University of Guelph graduates. After a year working for the Canada Department of Agriculture, he and Mary began farming and raising a family in Mornington Township. Murray enjoyed much success as a purebred swine breeder selling Yorkshire breeding stock in Canada and abroad. He was an early adopter of herd health practices and a member of various farm organizations. A member of St Paul's United Church for over 90 years, he also was a member and chair of the Milverton District High School board in the 1960s.

Murray enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, curling, woodlot management, woodworking and travel in Canada, the US and Europe with both Mary and Jennet. He enjoyed many card and board games with family and friends.

Murray can be remembered through a donation to St Paul's United Church, Milverton, the Canadian Cancer Society, Knollcrest Lodge or a charity of choice.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at St Paul's United Church in Milverton on Sunday, July 26th at 2pm. Rev. Megan Penfold officiating. Reception to follow. Burial at Greenwood Cemetery will be private.

The family would like to acknowledge with great appreciation the work and care of health care personnel and organizations including Dr Annis, his family physician for over 30 years, River Gardens Retirement Residence, Stratford and Dr Anderson, Dr Chun, Nurse Practitioner Wendy Dunn and all the staff at Knollcrest Lodge, Milverton.

A quiet man, Murray leaves a legacy of hard work and a deep appreciation for land, animals and rural life.

"Still waters run deep."

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Brenneman Funeral Home, Atwood.

Live stream link:

https://youtu.be/oLv64MeRees

07/13/2026

Mahlon Horst

Passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the age of 87.
Mahlon Nelson Horst was born on July 15, 1938, in Woolwich Township to the late George and Leah (Martin) Horst. He devoted his working years to Ontario Drive & Gear in New Hamburg, where he worked as a machinist. A man of faith, Mahlon shared his love of music as a member of the Jubilation Male Chorus in Kitchener for over 20 years and many church choirs.

Mahlon will be lovingly remembered by his children, Steven Horst of St. Clements, Kim Gillespie of Waterloo, Linda Hillier (Rob) of Kitchener, Christine Bender (Stephen) of Wellesley, and Carolin Horst (Dave Buck) of Baden. He was a proud grandfather of 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Mahlon is also survived by his sister, Ruth Ziegler (Wilbert) of Hawkesville. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Leah Horst, his wife Sandra Horst of 58 years and his sister Anne Rahn.

In keeping with Mahlon's wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family graveside service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, Milverton. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenneman Funeral Home, Atwood.

Mahlon found comfort in the words of Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 4:"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven... a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance."

06/28/2026

Martha BeauBien Campbell, aged 81 years, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 27 at Stratford General Hospital. Martha is predeceased by her husband, Gerard Campbell, and by her son Scott Campbell.
Martha leaves behind her surviving children Laughlin (Ally Turner-Sommer), Alec (Olivia D’Costa), Richard (Cheryl Collins), Tanya (Mike) Austin, Dan (Amanda), Mike, Andrea, Caroline (Fraser) Cossar, as well as 29 cherished grand-children, one great-grandchild, and another on the way.
Martha’s brothers and sisters will miss her dearly: Nicole Bourdeau, the late Jovette BeauBien (René Guay), Donald BeauBien, the late Hervey BeauBien (Yolande Rochette), Noëlle BeauBien (Mohsen Sellami), Alain BeauBien (Carole Thériault), Lyne BeauBien (Marc Bélanger), Marguerite BeauBien (Jean-Pierre Dubé) and Hélène Plouffe. She will also be missed by her surviving siblings-in-law Anne Marie Zahara and Jim and Joan Campbell, as well as many beloved nephews and nieces and their families.
Martha’s loss will be mourned by the many people whose lives she touched through her teaching, community involvement, activities, and tireless devotion to family.
Visitation will take place at Brenneman Funeral Home, 141 John St Atwood, from 2-4 and from 6-8 pm on Monday June 29th.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1025 Wallace Ave North, Listowel, at 2 pm on Tuesday June 30th, followed by a reception at the church hall.
The Campbell family wishes to thank the staff at Knollcrest Lodge and the medical staff at Stratford General Hospital for their care and compassion. If you wish, the family invites you to donate to the Alzheimer Society of Canada in honor of Martha. Online condolences may be left at www.brennemanfuneralhome.ca

06/16/2026

Robert Kropf passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family, on June 14, 2026.
Beloved best friend and husband of Peggy Kropf. Wonderful father to Christine (Christopher) Carriere, Michael (Krystal) Carriere and Zackary (Amandah) Kropf. Amazing grandfather of Gage, Brodi, Meadow, Cash and Austin and late Spencer. Robert will be remembered for his kindness, strength, and devotion to his family. He leaves behind many cherished memories that will be treasured by all who knew and loved him.
Predeceased by his parents Mervin and Dorothy Kropf and his brother Harold Kropf.
Survived by his sister-in-law Denise Kropf, Leslie (Randy) Way.
He will be missed by many nieces, nephews and friends. The family would like to extend a thank to Darrell Erb for everything he did for Rob in the last year.
A private family service will be held at a later date
As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.
Online condolences may be left at brennemanfuneralhome.ca.