- Date Of Birth: August 5, 1949
- Date Of Death: May 21, 2018
- State: Indiana
David Allen “Dave” Bronnenberg was called home to his heavenly reward on May 21, 2018, at Lutheran Hospital in Ft. Wayne, IN after a very sudden and brief illness. He was born on August 5, 1949, to Joseph Robert and Madonna Dean (Brizendine) Bronnenberg in Anderson, Indiana and lived in Madison County most of his life.
He graduated from Madison Heights High School in 1967 and Purdue University in 1970 with an Associate’s Degree in Chemical Engineering Technology. He married Connie (Scott) in February 1972 and, together, they had 2 children. Dave worked at Eli Lilly and Dow AgroSciences in Indianapolis for over 30 years, first as a chemist and then as an IT specialist. He was a member of Tri-County Christian Church in Middletown. Dave was a sixth-generation descendant of Frederick Bronnenberg, Jr. who built The Bronnenberg House in what is now Mounds State Park. The conservation efforts of the Bronnenberg Family helped make the mounds in the park some of the best examples in the region. They recognized the uniqueness of the mounds and, from the beginning, fought to protect them. The house, built circa 1850, is now recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Dave donated many family heirlooms and memorabilia now on display at his family home.
He is survived by his wife, Jan, whom he married in July 2004; daughter, Kelly (Andy) Stewart of Pendleton, IN; step-daughter, Lynn Pierce of Muncie, IN; step-son, John (Tasha) Harrington of Markleville, IN; grandchildren, Isabella and Solomon Stewart of Pendleton, IN; Amanda (Michael) Davidson of Westfield, IN; Caleb and Brighton Harrington of Markleville, IN; Katelyn Johns and Jase Wasson of Allen, TX; uncle, Bob Brizendine of Pendleton, IN; and several special cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Connie Bronnenberg; son, Benton Bronnenberg; son-in-law, Dan Pierce; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Dave enjoyed watching Purdue sports, Pacer basketball, and the Colts; making homemade mac and cheese, shrimp dip, chip dip, and Chex mix for holiday gatherings; and spending quality time with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed being the third-generation owner and caretaker for the Bronnenberg Lake Cottage on Big Barbee Lake. Dave’s grandfather built the cottage in 1962 and Dave spent many happy summers there with his family while growing up. When he took over the cottage in 2010, Dave loved making many home and landscape improvements and driving the boat so that family and friends could tube, swim, fish, and just enjoy the lake. In addition, David assisted St. Vincent Anderson Nursing Honor Guard with his helpful ideas and computer expertise. Dave was truly a gentle giant with a quick wit and dry sense of humor. He was quiet, yet wise; gentle, yet strong; and calm, yet loyal. He will be missed by all who knew him. His last act of generosity was being an organ and tissue donor so that others could live and enjoy life as he did.
