Cody Austin Brommer

When reflecting on the life of Cody Brommer, words such as vibrant, fun-loving, and dedicated come to mind, however, the most prominent thread that is most commonly woven throughout his tapestry in time is just how deeply he was loved by everyone he met. He had a contagious laughter coupled with the most amazing sense of humor, and he loved bringing a smile to the faces of those around him. Cody was an amazing son and brother whose family meant the world to him. He accomplished so many things of which to be proud, yet he was a humble young man whose focus was on helping others achieve their very best as well. Although his absence leaves an incredible void in the lives of so many, Codys spirit will live on in the lives of everyone he met.

The 1990s were the age of technology. The world wide web was born in 1992, forever changing the way we shopped, the way we communicated, and the way we kept in touch with the world around us. Cell phones, personal computers, and more advanced gaming systems were becoming part of our daily lives while television shows like Seinfeld, Married With Children, and Friends colored the cultural fabric of this decade. It was as the hottest part of the summer of 1993 was settling on Columbia City, Indiana, that Randall Joseph and Julie LuAnn (Pelfrey) Brommer were given the surprise of their lives when the baby boy they named Cody Austin was born several weeks early on August 13th at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Despite his early birthdate he still weighed in at over eight pounds and was a delight to his parents.

Joined in his family by his sister, Lyndsey, Cody was a bustle of activity right from the start. He was raised on his family farm and quickly developed a love for farming, tractors, and nature along with everything that these things have to offer. Cody loved playing with Legos, and it isnt very surprising that he built many farms and race car while growing up. As a small boy he loved all things action, power, and the number 75, and things remained his passions throughout his entire life. Additionally, he was an avid fan of truck and tractor pulls.

In the short time he was here Cody accomplished a great many things. He joined the Sodbusters Whitley County 4-H Club where he became a 10 year member showing cattle and pigs. Even after he was done competing he continued to love and serve the 4-H by becoming a member of the derby committee. Cody started out driving in the 4-H derby, but since he wasnt very successful at winning he decided that he was better suited at building the car while his sister, Lyndsey, took care of the driving. However, his greatest accomplishment in his racing career was becoming his fathers number one pick to take over his own race car at some point and helping him out in the pits.

Cody maintained perfect attendance throughout all twelve years of his education, made the honor roll, and was a member of Future Farmers of America. Codys high school years found him at Columbia City High School. He was a linebacker on the football team, wearing the #63 jersey. Interestingly, this was the only time that Cody wasnt a 75. In addition, After graduating in 2012, he went on to Trine University to study engineering. He also played football there for two years and was currently in his junior year.

Holding down his studies was just a part of what Cody filled his time with. He also worked in the maintenance department for the Town of South Whitley and also mowed lawns, baled hay, and plowed snow for friends and neighbors. With what remaining time he had, Cody was often found out hunting deer while in season.

All who knew Cody would agree that he was truly extraordinary, and there was nothing he loved more than being surrounded by his family and friends. He was always looking for ways to help people. Even in his death, his organs were donated to help others. Cody always seemed to make those around him laugh, and like a typical brother, a favorite pastime was picking on his little sister. He loved sneaking up on her to shoot her with a Nerf gun or pulling any number of practical jokes on her, but of course he was fiercely protective of her, too, and everybody knew it. One of his favorite times with his family was on a trip to Disney World, and they also went to Cedar Point several times. Numerous head injuries from football and a head injury in the family barn left him unable to ride the big coasters there, but he loved going just to take everything in.

Taken from his loved ones much too soon, Cody Brommer was a true gift in the lives of all who were within his reach. He lived life to the fullest and remained true to who he was each and every day. Codys zest for life was inspiring and contagious, too, and his drive to succeed was easy to see. He was passionate about the people and things he loved, making priceless memories with every step he took. Cody will be forever missed but never forgotten.

Cody Austin Brommer, of Columbia City, IN, died at 7:37 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2015, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Codys family includes his parents, Randy and Julie Brommer, Columbia City; sister, Lyndsey Renee Brommer, Columbia City; paternal grandmother, Shirley Brommer, Columbia City; maternal grandparents, Herbert and Gloria Pelfrey, Columbia City; aunts and uncles including, Janell (Steve) Wood, Columbia City, Steven Uncle Monkey (Stephanie) Brommer, Columbia City and Stephanie (Brian) Brazel, Cromwell; also numerous cousins. Cody was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Steve Brommer.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2015, from 2 to 8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2015, at Grace Lutheran Church, 204 North Main Street, Columbia City with one hour of visitation at the church prior to the hour of service. Pastor Matthew Converse will be officiating. Burial will follow at St. Catherines Catholic Church, Nix Settlement, rural Columbia City. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given in Codys memory to his sisters Educational Fund. Gifts may be made out to Randy and/or Julie Brommer.