Indiana has lost an attorney considered by colleagues to be one of the most educated lawyers in the state about alcohol beverage law.

Merrillville attorney Stephen M. Brenman died in his sleep early Tuesday morning. Colleagues said they were not yet aware of details and arrangements being finalized this week.

Brenman, a second-generation lawyer, practiced with his son, Jeremy, at their full-service, boutique Law Offices of Stephen M. Brenman. His office is closed until Monday, according to a recording at his office today.

The father-son pair has been well known in the legal community, especially in northwest Indiana, and boasted three generations of experience. Original family founder Irving I. Brenman died in 1998, according to the law firm Web site.

"Without a doubt, he was the most knowledgeable person on this," said South Bend attorney Mitch Heppenheimer, who considered Brenman a personal friend and has known him for at least 15 years. "He knew that code (Title 7) by heart, and even did his own index on the code. You could call him up and he ;d be able to tell you where exactly to find it without hesitating."