CARL BRENNAN

We sadly announce the passing of Carl (“Pete”) Brennan of Fairfield Glade, TN on March 12, 2025 at the amazing age of 98, surrounded at home by his wife Luanne and family.

Pete was born on his grandparents’ farm in Capac, MI on Dec. 16, 1926, to his late father Kenneth Brennan and late mother Ruth Fischer. Pete was raised and worked on the family farm until he graduated from Capac High School in June 1944. He attended his 80th Class Reunion in Capac last year. After high school, Pete enlisted in the Army Reserve for ASTRP training. He attended the University of Illinois until January 1945, then entered active military service at Fort Sheridan, Illinois in February 1945. Pete underwent his Basic Training at Camp Fannin, TX. He then attended Penn State University in Army ASTRP until August 1945. Pete served as a private in the 63rd Quartermaster Training Company in Camp Lee, VA. He reenlisted and was assigned to Fort Monroe, VA and served as a sergeant in the Headquarters Detachment 1319th Army Service Unit until November 1946.

After military service Pete returned to Michigan to attend Central Michigan University on the GI Bill, where he obtained his BA in 1950, majoring in chemistry and math. Pete was a member of the Alpha Beta Sigma fraternity and was active in his college Alcymists Club. Pete began his career at Huron Portland Cement Company of Alpena, MI as a laboratory control chemist in April 1950. He met his future wife, Shirley McKerty of Ludington, MI, on a blind date and they married in November 1950. Their surviving children are Christine Brennan of Ossineke, MI, Susan Hietala of Milwaukee, WI, and Barbara Dietz of Columbus, OH.

Pete was promoted to Lab Supervisor in 1959 after National Gypsum Company purchased Huron Portland Cement, became Assistant Chief Chemist in 1960, Superintendent of the Finish Division in 1962, Superintendent of the Kiln Division in 1964, Director of Manufacturing in 1974, and finally Vice President of Operations in 1981. Pete and Shirley moved to Lachine, MI after purchasing their farm in 1978. When National Gypsum was purchased by LaFarge Corporation in 1987, Pete stayed on as a consultant until he retired in 1988. He also served on the Board for HPC Credit Union for several years.

Pete married Luanne Potvin Stepanski of Alpena, MI in 1988, and they moved to Fairfield Glade, TN in 1992. There he helped organize the first Fairfield Glade Sportsman Club with several start-up members and served on their Board for 13 years.

Pete was an active deer and pheasant hunter, outdoorsman, fisherman, marksman, and enjoyed bird banding as a member of the Audubon Society. His farming know-how gave Pete a natural green thumb with flowers, trees and plants, he made his own bullets, became an excellent cook, loved his blended family, nature, their dogs, and a dry martini or margarita at day’s end. Pete was an excellent crossword puzzler, computer gamer, and financial adviser. Pete had a life-long, natural curiosity and thirst for knowledge. He is most remembered by family and friends for his work ethic, patience, calm demeanor, egalitarian acceptance and willingness to try just about anything new. Pete’s education in the fields of math, chemistry, physics, and science served him well. His motto: “Don’t stop, just keep goin’.”

Pete is survived by his wife Luanne of 36 years, half-sister June Stamman Ennis of Lapeer, MI, step-children Mary Stepanski of Charlottesville, VA, Chris Novota of Boca Raton, FL, Ann Stepanski of Breckenridge, CO, Thomas Stepanski of Ringgold, GA, Steven Stepanski of Crab Orchard, TN, 10 grandchildren (Ben, Vanessa, Blaze, Mia, Kevin, Sydney, Jada, Dan, Anisa, Chase), and five great-grandchildren (Carson, Graelynn, Dalton, Laikynn, Ainsley).

Pete was predeceased by wife Shirley McKerty Brennan of Ludington, MI, sister Betty Brennan Dobruk of Metamora, MI, and half-brother Richard Clark of Howell, MI.

We extend sincere appreciation to Hospice of Cumberland County, and Dr. Sherrill and staff of Crossville, TN for years of health care support.

A Celebration of Life for Pete will be held this summer in Lapeer, MI and Fairfield Glade, TN.