Richard E. Corl

Richard E. Corl, age 86, Bremen, died at 2:06 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2016, in the emergency room at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Plymouth, following a boating accident on Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver. Richard was fishing at the time of the accident, which is what he loved to do most.

He was born Aug. 17, 1929, in Bremen to Everett and Bertha (Flory) Corl. He was a lifetime resident of Bremen, graduating from Bremen High School in 1947. He attended Manchester College for one year.

On Nov. 24, 1951, he married Barbara Hershberger in Woodland, Mich. She preceded him in death Feb. 18, 2015. He met Barbara while serving with Brethren Volunteer Service in Puerto Rico. Richard was a farmer. He and Barbara were members of the Bremen Church of the Brethren family, where they served faithfully for over 60 years. Richard loved woodworking and he used hardwood lumber from his own woods to build one-of-a-kind furniture pieces; giving them as gifts or for use by the church. Richard and Barbara hosted many groups for parties and retreats at their property near Warsaw. During this time, Richard taught young visitors how to fish, but more importantly, he gave them an example of unconditional love. During the 1960’s Richard earned his private pilot’s license and enjoyed short flights in a Piper Cub.

Surviving are his children: John (Nancy) Corl, Warsaw; Peggy (Greg) Brassie, Mulberry; Brenda (John) Martin, Mishawaka; grandchildren: Daniel (Linda) Schwartz, Derek Schwartz, Diana (Beau) Langford, Laura and Marissa Brassie; step grandchildren: Jamie (Ben) Driscoll, Sam (Amy) Wiebrinck, Lindsay (Doug) Blocher, Abbie (Rusty) Kirts; step-great grandchildren, Russell, Jillian Kirts;  and sisters: Betty Eldridge, Francisville; Evelyn Corl, Phoenix, Ariz. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Barbara, and a brother Donny Corl.

Family and friends may call from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, April 17, at Bremen Church of the Brethren and for one hour prior to the funeral service which will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 18, also at the church. Rev. Evan Garber will officiate and burial follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Bourbon.

Memorial contributions may be given to Bremen Church of the Brethren Building Fund.