Brian Oele

The 1940s are remembered as a tumultuous time for the United States and the rest of the world. WWII cast a dark shadow over the globe, and many brave servicemen were called to serve away from home. During these years of struggle, however, there was a ray of sunshine for Jacob and Elinore Oele as they welcomed their son, Brian Lewis, into the world.

Growing up, Brian was a typical young man of his generation. He was raised in the family home on Melita Avenue NE alongside his brother, David. Brian’s father, Jacob, supported the family working at American Seating while Brian’s mother, Elinore, devoted herself to caring for her home and children.

Many of Brian’s fondest childhood memories took place at the family hunting cabin on Bills Lake in Newaygo, which would become known as “Paradise Point.” He loved riding motorcycles and dirt bikes, as well as sailing, boating, and fishing. Brian attended local schools and graduated from Creston High School in 1962.

He then took a trip to California before enrolling in Chic University of Cosmetology, graduating in their second class. With Brian by his side Chris Panopoulos opened his first salon, a legacy that is still around today.

Not afraid to work hard in order to provide for those who depended on him, Brian went on to work in roofing, cement work, and residential construction with his father. Later, his wild sense of adventure led him to try his hand at being a long-haul trucker. In his spare time he also worked at Cannonsburg Ski Lodge making snow in the winter with his best friend, Frank Brower.

Brian ultimately retired from road construction as a heavy equipment operator for Nagel Construction, retiring at age 72, after over three decades of service.

Of all the things Brian loved in life, he treasured his family above all else. In 1972, he was overjoyed to become a father to his daughter, Angela. Years later, in 1982, Brian met a young woman named Collette Carroll, through mutual friends at a holiday party. There was an instant spark between them, and the two soon began dating.

With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Brian and Collette were married on December 22, 1990. With their marriage, Brian’s family grew to include Collette’s two children, Morgan and Shawn. He thrived in his role as a father to Angela, Morgan, and Shawn. Brian taught his children to swim and sail on Bill’s Lake. He was their biggest supporter and considered them his pride and joy.

Brian’s knowledge of construction and his innate resourcefulness gave him the confidence and skills to rebuild the family hunting cabin on Bills Lake into a four-season home. He sourced stones from his job sites and built a beautiful hand-laid stone chimney and fireplace, the perfect finish to his and Collette’s home.

Later in life, Brian was thrilled to become a grandfather and then a great-grandfather as well. He adored his grandchildren and doted on them whenever he could, known affectionately as their beloved “Poppie.” Brian always considered himself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

Never one to sit still for long, Brian pursued many hobbies. He loved hunting, fishing, sailing, flying kites and was an award-winning skeet shooter. He also taught himself to play guitar and loved to share his gift of music with his family, friends & neighbors.

Paradise Point was the backdrop for many of Brian’s favorite memories and he enjoyed hosting parties and entertaining friends and family there over the years. Brian’s Fourth of July firework shows were legendary and he was known as “Newaygo Willie,” the life of the party.

Brian and Collette spent their retirement years wintering in Zihuatanejo, Mexico. Brian absolutely loved Mexico and had great respect for the culture. He taught himself to speak Spanish, racking up an impressive 7+ year streak of daily lessons on Duo Lingo. Brian also gave a little of himself to the people of Zihua, organizing open mic nights at local restaurants there.

When looking back on the life of Brian Oele, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. He was a shining example of loyalty and integrity. A dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Brian was a friend to many and beloved by all who knew him. Friends and family members will certainly attest, Brian Oele truly brought a spark of life to every room he walked into.

Deeply loved, Brian will be forever held close by those who knew him best. Though he will be dearly missed, Brian leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry forward.

Brian Lewis Oele, age 80, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 24, 2024. Surrounded by his loving family, Brian left this broken world for the glory of Heaven and peace everlasting. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Collette (Carroll) Oele, and his children; Angela (Scott) Findley, Morgan (Rich) Lambert, and Shawn (Rachel) Goostrey. Brian leaves behind a beautiful legacy in his 17 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren: Kayla, Kristen (Tom and Gabriel), Matthew, Nicolas, Timothy (Faith, Madelynn, Kyrie), Daniel (Allison), Grace, Samuel, Vivian, Maggie Rose, Jonah, McKenzie (Casey and Laney), Jacob, Dylan, Carter, Christian and Tyler. Brian’s memory will also be treasured by the many extended family members & friends whose lives he touched, here at home in Michigan and his winter home in Zihuatanejo, Mexico.

Preceded in death by his parents, Jacob & Elinore Oele, and brother, David, there is comfort knowing that the four of them are together once again.

A funeral service with luncheon to follow will begin at 11AM on Saturday, November 30th at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Brian’s family will receive visitors the hour before the funeral service, from 10-11AM.