Brad Muilenburg

Brad Muilenburg lived his life with a fierce passion for the family he so loved. He loved to have a good time and was known for his optimism and strength over the years. Reliable and dependable, he was a loyal friend to many and a great dad to his son, Mason. Gone too soon, there is no doubt that his easy-going and affectionate nature will be dearly missed by his close friends and family members for generations to come.

It seems quite fitting that Brad was born on November 27, 1966, during the midst of a decade known for its feel-good energy. Brad Thomas was welcomed home to Roger and Shirley (Harmsen) Muilenberg in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born the fourth child out of five children, there was never a dull moment in the Muilenburg household!

Growing up in Standale, Brad lived a typical childhood of the times. He and his siblings had their fair share of sibling squabbles and mischief yet remained close to one another. He attended Cummings Elementary, Brad made many friends. He later graduated with the Class of 1984 from Grandville High School and entered the world of work. Anything that Brad set his mind to accomplish he did so with success. A hard worker, he had a strong sense of attention to detail and never settled for less than his very best. He went to work as a painter for his brother, Todd in his early years. Ambitious as well as driven, Brad later started his own company, Muilenburg Decorating. Customers were always satisfied with his work. His reputation and dependable service made him very successful over the years.

Brad was a man of many simple pleasures. He enjoyed hanging on to the memories of yesteryear by collecting vintage items. He especially liked old radios, fans, and cars, such as the older model Lincoln Continentals. He carried on his passion for the past even in his choice of television shows as he was known to watch the old classics like Sanford and Son or anything from that time period. He had quite a collection of classic vinyl records and favored the music of Motown. Music was his favorite way to relax and reminisce as well as connect with people. When it came to food, Brad preferred to make his special homemade chili; a recipe that he had perfected over the years. Anyone that ever had a bowl of his chili always went back for seconds! Born with a natural sweet tooth, he never passed up a bowl or a cone of ice cream! Brad also liked to keep his house clean and orderly. A proud homeowner he always knew where everything was because he was known to put things back in their place! Although he enjoyed the company of others, Brad was comfortable with himself and was perfectly content spending time alone.

Brad's life changed forever when he was blessed with the arrival of his son, Mason on December 6, 2001. The two of them enjoyed sharing time together and playing pranks on one another. Brad was very proud of Mason and supported him in his many endeavors. He wanted nothing more than to share in his every happiness. When Brad lived up in the Hardy Dam area, he and Mason enjoyed riding their quad runners as well as going out on the boat and fishing together. They enjoyed one another's company and Mason knew that he could also count on Brad for anything he needed. He was an exceptional person to know and to love. May his many special friends and loved ones always look back on the collection of memories he leaves behind with fondness and may his warm spirit remain in their hearts forevermore.

Brad Thomas Muilenburg, age 53, of Grand Rapids, passed away unexpectedly on June 16, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Shirley Muilenburg; and brother-in-law, Pat Coughlin. Brad is survived by his greatest joy in life, son, Mason; siblings, Shari (Steve) Raap, Todd (Mary Ellen) Muilenburg, Kurt (Renee) Muilenburg and Beth Coughlin; nieces and nephews, Benjamin, Heather (Justin), Aaron (Andrea), Garret (Kaila), Nolan (Leanne), Levi, Ellie, Keone, Mandy, Travis, Skylar, Taryn, Chloe, Kaden and Reese; and great-nieces and nephews. Also, surviving is his uncle and aunt, Dave (Joyce) Muilenburg; aunt, Nancy Harmson; several cousins, and many special friends. A family graveside service will take place in Rosedale Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to submit a favorite memory, photo, or to sign the guestbook.