Where Food, Drinks & Stories Are Shared
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Steve Brey

May 18, 1974 - October 25, 2014
Lawton, MI

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Visitation

Wednesday, October 29, 2014
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM EDT
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Paw Paw Location
60900 Michigan 40
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-3870

Food and refreshments will be served.

Driving Directions

Service

Thursday, October 30, 2014
11:00 AM EDT
Kalamazoo First Assembly Church
5550 Oakland Drive
Portage, MI 49024
(269) 329-1977

Followed by a luncheon in the church hall

Web Site

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Random Acts of Kindess

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Taylor's Florist and Gifts
215 E. Michigan Ave.
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-6256
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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A man of few words, Steve Brey had a way all his own in expressing himself. Whether it was putting pen to paper, or thoughtful, generous gestures towards others, he was a good guy with a good heart. His greatest joy was becoming an uncle to his incredible nieces and nephews, and he treasured the relationship and friendship he shared with his parents. Steve had his share of good days and bad times, but in all ways, he loved those he was proud to call family.

Steve's story began at a time when the political scene in America was turning, especially in 1974 when Richard Nixon became the first U.S. President forced to resign from office. At the same time, numerous, great movies hit the movie theaters, and the music industry also had its share of hits. While Evel Knievel, Star Trek and Planet of the Apes figurines were all the rage, amidst these times of velour clothing and wildly printed shirts, Happy Days and All in the Family were TV favorites of households everywhere. Yet in the community of St. Joseph, Michigan, Chester and Peggy (Barr) Brey anticipated one of their greatest blessings, and soon welcomed the birth of their little boy, Steven P. Brey, born on May 18, 1974.

Young Steven was indeed the baby of the family. He joined his older sisters, Rhonda, 15, and Susan, 13 who doted on their little brother. In 1977 the Brey family moved to Portage, Michigan where Steven spent his formative years. Although he tended to be on the quieter side, he thoroughly enjoyed playing outside. At the age of 11 in 1985, Steven and his family moved to Lawton, Michigan. His parents built a loving, Christian home where numerous memories were shared. He attended the area schools and before graduating from Mattawan High School in 1993, Steven excelled in his studies. He attained good grades and was one of the top spellers in his class. He was a good kid, and never found trouble.

Throughout his life, Steve had his share of battles. He was diagnosed at the age of 15 with manic depression, and through good times and bad, he struggled getting his medications regulated. Although it was tough on his family at times, they were now able to handle and accommodate his illness equipped with a diagnosis. Foremost, Steve was dearly loved by his family. His parents supported him in every way possible, and never ceased in being there for him. Despite his illness, Steve attempted to lead a full life just the same. He attempted driving for a time, but gave his drivers license up as it was just too much for him. Routine was an important aspect of his life, and kept him on track.

With an unending love for babies, Steve loved becoming an uncle. He especially loved it when his nieces and nephews were little. Over the years he enjoyed every opportunity spent with them, and attended many of their activities and special events.

Steve possessed a remarkable memory. He could list dates and give details of specific events from way back. He also loved rock music, and especially loud, to his mother's dismay! He preferred the sounds of AC/DC, Metallica, and even a little Christian rock occasionally. Throughout his life, Steve lived at home with his parents and faithfully attended Kalamazoo First Assembly Church with them. He liked reading, and read his Bible daily, usually after breakfast. On Sundays after church, Steve looked forward to dining out with his mom and dad. He particularly loved Olive Garden, and without hesitation, usually ordered the "Tour of Italy", one of the most fattening items on the menu! He also possessed a sweet tooth when it came to chocolate.

Together with his parents, Steve relished times vacationing in Missouri visiting his mother’s family. When it came to the holidays, he loved the festivities and his mom's deviled eggs and other cooking. He was an avid Detroit Tigers and Lions fan, but mainly loved hanging out with his dad. When his father died five years ago in 2009, Steve took his death especially hard. They did everything together, and Steve treasured going grocery shopping with his dad each Wednesday. His parents were his best friends, and now he had lost his longtime buddy.

Steve and his mother continued to be the best of companions and friends. In his own way, Steve was a great source of strength for his mom following his father's death. Now just the two of them, they continued watching their favorite programs together, such as Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Although Steve never had too much to say, his mother could see much more in her son's eyes. He usually responded with a "yes", "no", or "I don't know" answer, but one of his greatest gifts was expressing himself on paper. In fact, he was quite a good writer.

Steve usually went several years between episodes, yet when he experienced a recent relapse, he was admitted to Pine Rest Christian Hospital in Grand Rapids, which was not uncommon for medication adjustments at such a time. However, after two days there, Steven P. Brey, at the age of 40, died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 25, 2014.

Delightfully thoughtful, Steve loved sharing his kindness with others. He reveled in pleasing others, and thought the world of those around him. An easy going fellow, he was easy to please, and knew no enemies. Although he was a man of few words, Steve Brey knew well the meaning of love and faith. Lovingly missed, he will be fondly remembered.

Members of Steve's family include his mom, Peggy Brey; two siblings: Rhonda (John) Wise and Susan (Mark) Hahn; several nieces and nephews including: Amy and Justin Caron and their children, Makenna and Braelyn; Noel and Desiree Hahn; and Eric, Luke, Tim and Amanda Wise. Visit with his family and friends while sharing refreshments on Wednesday from 5-7 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler & Thompson – Paw Paw 60900 M-40; 657-3870. Services will be held Thursday, October 30, 2014, 11:00 AM at the Kalamazoo First Assembly Church followed by a luncheon. Burial at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Please visit Steve’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory or photo of Steve and sign his online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. The family requests random acts of kindness in honor of Steve.

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