Michael Jacob Brenneis

Michael J. Brenneis, affectionately known as “Mikey”, age 13 of Gulfport passed away peacefully at home Tuesday morning, October 7, 2014. He was our family’s special angel on earth. His infectious, beautiful smile touched so many who knew him in his short life. He was loaned to us by our Dear Lord and will be sorely missed by his family and all who loved him. He taught our family so much about true love, compassion, forgiveness, and most importantly faith in God and God’s love for all who have faith in Him. He taught our entire family how to be close and to really appreciate each other. Michael was born with a brain disorder called Lissencephaly. He also developed Cerebral Palsy when he was a year old. He always knew in his own way that his parents provided him with the best care possible and always went the extra mile to keep him comfortable. He was diagnosed to have a life expectancy of one year, and yet with care he received from Jens and Angela, he made it to 13 years. His eyes spoke of the love and appreciation that he could never say. We believe God chose us to take care of Mikey. He did so much to help our family. He brought us all together in a very close, caring relationship that would not have happened had he not been in our presence. He was truly a gift from God. Michael is survived by his loving parents, Jens and Angela Brenneis; his twin sisters, Anna and Chloe Brenneis; paternal grandparents, Wesley and Sonja Reynolds of Kempner, TX and Heinz and Ingrid Brenneis of Dettlebach, Germany; maternal grandparents, Gerald and Mary Anne Oberlies of Gulfport; aunts and uncles, Marcel (Nicole) Brenneis and Vanessa Reynolds all of Copperas Cove, TX, Jason Reynolds of San Diego, CA, Jay Oberlies of Pass Christian, Brian (Sherry) Oberlies of Madisonville, LA, and Stephen Oberlies of Gulfport; cousins, Michelle and Andrew Brenneis of Cooperas Cove, TX, Raegan and Cameron Oberlies of Pass Christian, Lilly and Lucy Oberlies of Madisonville, LA. The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and caregivers that helped take care of Michael over the past 13 years. The Mass of Christian Burial is Friday, October 10, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, Gulfport with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Evergreen Gardens, Gulfport. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com