Richard Lynn Brehm

Richard Lynn Brehm, 68, passed away on February 21, 2025, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, after a long battle with frontotemporal dementia.

Born on November 19, 1956, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Rick pursued higher education at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia. It was there that he met the love of his life, Karen, and the two were married in November 1976, beginning a beautiful journey that would span over 48 years.

He built a distinguished 40-year career with the Tennessee Valley Authority, which brought him first to Knoxville and later to Chattanooga. 

Rick was a man who found joy in sharing experiences with his children. Whether it was coaching soccer when they were kids, encouraging a love of music and guitars, or playing Star Trek card games, he always found a way to connect through shared interests. He helped them build bottle rockets, trebuchets, and hovercrafts. He ran sound for their high school musicals. He could also beat them all in ping pong, easily.

Rick was never afraid to ask the tough questions–about life, faith, and the world around him. His curiosity inspired thoughtful conversations. Above all else, he believed in the power of love.

A lifelong learner, Rick’s love of reading spanned from science fiction classics like The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy to deep philosophical and spiritual works. And of course Far Side comics. He made the best hamburgers in the summer, pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving, and incredible filet mignon for the holidays.

Rick is survived by his wife, Karen Crowder Brehm; his children, Joshua Brehm (Lindsay Barbour Brehm), Stephen Brehm (Sarah Askew Brehm), and Sarah Brehm; his cherished grandchildren, Sophia, Cecelia, Elliot, Solomon, Maisie, and Clara; his brother, Robert Paul Brehm (Linda Lehman Brehm), sister Martha Jane Brehm Greeger, sister-in-law Edna Fitting Brehm, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claudia Joan Eby and Paul Alvin Brehm, his brother, Ronald Carl Brehm, and brother-in-law Ray Edwin Greeger. 

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to those who supported Rick and his family throughout his illness. Frontotemporal dementia is a devastating disease, but Rick faced it with strength and the enduring love of his family. 

Rick will be remembered as a kind man whose quiet strength and unwavering love left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His legacy of love, curiosity, and kindness will live on through his family and the lives he touched.

 In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) in Rick's memory. Contributions can be made using the AFTD online donation form.