Norfolk—Lawrence Ivan Brenner (aka Mr. Wonderful) passed away peacefully in his home at age 95 on September 7.
Lawrence was born June 17, 1927 in Norfolk, Virginia to the late Joseph and Lula Brenner. He was preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Brenner Rostov.
Upon graduation from Maury High School, he enlisted in the Navy. Thereafter he attended VPI and subsequently returned to Norfolk to manage his family’s jewelry business, Spertner Jewelers, which he did successfully for 70 years, until 2018.
He was an Eagle Scout at 13 and later served as Master at Norfolk Masonic Lodge Number 1. In addition to being very active in the Jewish community and a member of Temple Israel, he was a great lover of nature, poetry, food, and travel.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 72 years, Ramona Rubin Brenner, son Martin and his wife Pam, daughter Anji and her partner Alex, grandson Zachary and his wife Ashby, granddaughter Lena, grandson Aaron and his wife Kate, granddaughter Jessie, and great-grandson Cyrus.
The funeral took place at Forest Lawn Cemetery, graveside. The family asks for charitable contributions to a food bank of choice.