Charles Frederick Brehm, Sr., 94, of Westminster, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 28, 2021, at home.
Born November 19, 1926 in Westminster, he was the son of the late Charles Edward Brehm and May Breitweiser Brehm . He and the late Zadie Smith Brehm were married on December 15, 1945 in the parsonage of St. John's Lutheran Church. They met in elementary school and graduated from Westminster High School (Class of 43). They were married for 72 years.
Charles grew up on the family farm in Westminster. He took over the family farm bringing it from horse drawn operation to modern machinery and conservation practices. He a lifetime member of St. John's Lutheran Church serving several times on the church council and committees. He was also very active in the community. He received the first DAR Good Citizenship Award in 1945. He became a 4H All Star, a member of the Carroll County Fair Board and a leader of two 4H boys groups. He was a member of the Carroll County Farm Bureau. In 1995 he was made a Pioneer of the Ag Center. He had been on the original committee which planned and purchased the land for the Carroll County Ag Center. He was a board member for Carroll Petroleum, Southern States, and Westminster Co-op grocery. As President of the local Merchant's Association, he was a founder of the street fair now known as FallFest. He was charter member of the Charles Carroll Lions Club for over 35 years.
As farming became less profitable, he worked many jobs to support his family including Hahn's of Westminster, distributor for Hanover Evening Sun, owner of Carriage House Liquors, and many years as a local school bus driver.
When he actually retired, he and his wife spent much time travelling, often in their motor home. They visited every state in the union and relatives everywhere.
He is survived by his children: Yyetta and husband Douglas Whitehead, Diana Brehm(wife of Charles, Jr), Deborah Brehm, Patrick and wife Christine Brehm, William and wife Dorothy Brehm, and John D. Brehm.
Charles had 12 grandchildren: Charles A. and wife Sherry Brehm, Tracy Biris, Bethany Whitehead, Antonia Dailey and friend Rob Pummill, Jennifer Whitehead and friend Frank Losacco, Shelly Brehm, Keith Brehm, David and wife Marsha Brehm, Ryan Brehm, Jason Mooney, Krystyne Coonradt, and Lauren Mooney. He also had 12 great grandchildren: Ashlea Brehm, Corey and wife Brittany Brehm, Alexandra B. and husband David Colella, Joshua Biris, Morgan, Hunter, Reagan, and Patrick Dailey, Ariana and Addilyn Minter, and Jason and Jordon Mooney. He has 2 great-great grandchildren: Caden Myers and Mia A. Kent. He also has many treasured nieces, nephews, and step-grandchildren.
His wife, Zadie, passed in 2018. He is predeceased by son, Charles Frederick Brehm, Jr. and his sister, Ruth Little.
A private burial service will be held at St. John's Lutheran in the church cemetery on Saturday, February 6, 2021.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 827 Leister's Church Road, Westminster, MD 21157.
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