Brian Willbrandt

Brian Gregory Willbrandt, age 67, of Decatur, formerly of Muskegon, Michigan, passed away Thursday, June 8, 2017 at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at Newell Chapel, 83313 M-51, Decatur, with Rev. Dan Miller of Summit Church in Niles, Michigan officiating. Burial will follow at Charleston Cemetery in Volinia Township. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home. Memorial donations in Brian's name may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice in Allegan or West Michigan Cancer Center in Kalamazoo. Those wishing to sign Brian's Memory Book online may do so at www.newellchapel.com. Brian was born May 6, 1950 in Muskegon to Gregory "Bill" & Doris (Barrett) Willbrandt. He graduated from Muskegon High School in 1968 and from Michigan State University with a Bachelor in Horticulture in 1972. On July 29, 1972, he married the former Debra Salsbury in Muskegon. Brian devoted his life to farming, operating Willbrandt Enterprises in Decatur for his entire life until his health forced his retirement. Brian was a history buff & enjoyed Civil War history. He was a fan of the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers and the Michigan State Spartans. Brian is survived by his wife Debra; his children-Melissa (Bryan) Rodgers of Niles, Jacob Willbrandt of Decatur, Matthew (Felicity) Willbrandt of Decatur; six grandchildren-Amelia & Norah Rodgers, Maggie & Jaxson Willbrandt, Clara & Millie Willbrandt; his mother Doris Willbrandt of Holland; two brothers Dr. Barry (John Folding) Willbrandt of Gulfport, MS, Douglas (Marcia) Willbrandt of Muskegon; numerous nieces & nephews; his uncle Dave Barrett of San Diego, CA; and his aunt Gladys Loomis of Muskegon. He was preceded in death by his father Gregory "Bill" Willbrandt in 2015 and his brother Thomas Willbrandt on May 18, 2017. Newell Funeral Home