Born in Baden, Ontario, on October 5, 1936, Ray was the son of the late Christian S. Brenneman and Edna (Lichti) Brenneman, and his stepmother Rita Gingerich.

Ray was a cherished and devoted father to Douglas Brenneman and his wife Valerie, Dwight Brenneman and his wife Paulette West, and Michael Brenneman and his wife Kathy Maucec. He was a loving grandfather to Tyler Mayo, Shea Brenneman (Brittany), and Taite Brenneman, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy.

He will be dearly missed by his brother Walter Brenneman and his wife Arlene, as well as by his nieces and nephews: Kathy Nafziger, Jim Bowman (Sue), David Brenneman, and Dawn Brenneman. Ray is also fondly remembered by his brothers- and sisters-in-law Ken (Joan) Jutzi, Mark (Karen) Jutzi, John (Juanita) Jutzi, Irene Jutzi, Bill Jantzi, and Louise Jutzi, along with many extended family members, friends, and colleagues.

Ray was predeceased by his beloved wife, Nelda Brenneman (May 23, 2023) with whom he celebrated 62 years of marriage. Ray and Nelda lived their lives to the fullest. Raising three sons, welcoming three daughter in laws into the clan, and shamelessly ‘spoiling’ their grandchildren. Ray and Nelda loved socializing…with friends, relatives, neighbours and complete strangers who became friends.

Ray was also predeceased by his sisters Helen Brenneman, Jean (Delton) Bowman, and Lois Ann in infancy; and by his brothers- and sisters-in-law Elaine (Walter) Fretz, Robert Jutzi, Lucille Jantzi, and Grant Jutzi.

The epitome of hard work and dedication, no matter what the task. His passion for classic cars and great satisfaction of working with his hands led him to become the Founder of Expressway Ford Lincoln in New Hamburg and Stratford. A business that is truly ‘family’. Ray’s motto was to treat everyone who walks in the door as he would want to be treated. Ray, Doug, Dwight and Michael have been in business for 43 years. While building the business Ray did a little bit of everything. He began as an Apprentice; advancing through to Licensed Technician, Service Advisor, and Service Manager, ultimately becoming Dealer Principal of Expressway Ford Lincoln. He took great pride in sharing that the dealership stands on land once owned and farmed by his great-grandfather.

Ray had a passion for classic cars and treasured his travels with his beloved wife Nelda. He was a lifelong member of Wilmot Mennonite Church and an active participant in his community. Ray was a member of the Twin City Harmonizers, and enjoyed a remarkable 59-year involvement in barbershop groups. His therapy was singing; he sang barbershop with the Bare Necessities and the Classic Chordsmen quartets.

Known for his warm and sociable nature, Ray was a loyal, respected, and trusted businessman who was truly loved by all who knew him. He enjoyed boating, dining out, entertaining family and friends, and especially sharing appetizers and good conversation. A skilled woodworker and tinkerer, he found great satisfaction in working with his hands.
Above all, Ray treasured time spent with his family, grandchildren, and friends, creating lasting memories that will be cherished forever.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, staff, and students on the 5th Floor South at WRHN – Midtown for their compassionate and attentive care shown to Ray and his family.

Relatives and friends are welcome to call at the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, 291 Huron Street, New Hamburg, for visitation on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at Steinmann Mennonite Church, 1316 Snyders Road West, Baden, Ontario on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Susan Alison Jones to officiate. Interment will follow at Wilmot Mennonite Church, 2995 Bleams Road, New Hamburg, ON.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations can be made to Mennonite Central Committee or Harmonize for Speech and can be done through the funeral home.

Personal condolences can be posted for the family on the funeral home website at www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca