Brenn Arklie, 74

Brenn E. Arklie, age 74, of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.
He was born Oct. 3, 1944, in Sturgis, a son of the late Lynn and Carrol (Free) Arklie.
Brenn resided his whole life in Sturgis, with the exception of two years he lived in Petoskey. Following graduation from Sturgis High School with the class of 1962, he continued his education at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1966.
On Oct. 20, 1973, he married Johanna Baker of Bronson.
From 1966-1968 he worked in Petoskey and from 1968-1971 at Freeman Manufacturing Company in Sturgis. Brenn retired Dec. 31, 2009, from Howe Military School in Howe, Ind., following 38 years of dedicated employment. He began his career at Howe Military as an accountant for two years and the final 36 years he was the school’s business manager.
Brenn was an active member and past exalted ruler of B.P.O. Elks #1381 of Sturgis, where he enjoyed competing in state ritual competitions. He also enjoyed dining out with friends and following the Michigan State Spartan football team. Brenn loved being with and playing with his grandchildren and attending Alex and Tessa’s baseball and soccer games.
He is survived by his wife, Johanna of Sturgis; two daughters, Aimee Arklie of Mishawaka, and Kristee (Andy) Dampeer of South Bend; and three grandchildren, Alex, Tessa and Bodee Dampeer, all of South Bend.
In accordance with family wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11:45 a.m. Tuesday at Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis. A memorial service celebrating the life of Brenn E. Arklie will take place at noon Tuesday at the funeral home. Dr. Jeremy Couture of Unity Baptist Church of Ashland, Ky., will officiate.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Arklie’s memory consider Alzheimer’s Association , 200 Turwill Lane, Suite 6, Kalamazoo, MI 49006. It was a disease his mother battled and a cause Brenn always supported.
His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.