Harry Brummel

Loving, loyal, and kind, Harry Brummel lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. Harry embodied the principles of his faith, embracing every moment and person as a gift. Growing up in a time of global hardship, Harry never shied from hard work and knew the value of leisure. Whether working his job, raising his family, traveling, golfing, or exploring his Bible, Harry was grateful for everything he was given. He willingly lived a life of service, ensuring the well-being of those he loved. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Harry will long be remembered and so very missed.

1925 proved exceedingly prosperous with the advent of many remarkable debuts, including the first motel, the dedication of Mount Rushmore, the opening of the first Sears Roebuck store, the first issue of the New Yorker and broadcast from the Grand Ole Opry, the election of our nation's first female governor, the founding of Chrysler Corporation, the publishing of The Great Gatsby, and the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial. This vibrant time grew even more brilliant in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as Harry G and Jennie (Monje) Brummel welcomed their son Harry into their hearts and home on February 27th.

Growing up on Walker Avenue on the west side of Grand Rapids, Harry's family included his older cousin William "Bill," whom his parents had previously adopted. Though there were quite a few years between them, they shared the gift of a brotherly bond. Harry enjoyed a childhood full of outdoor fun with friends. Many days were spent outside playing ball, fishing in Indian Mill Creek, and making fast sledding runs down the local streets. He learned to golf in his backyard, where they made a couple of holes, and he loved playing baseball.

Harry attended Richmond Elementary and Oakleigh Middle School before going on to Union High School. Baseball became a passion for Harry, a skillful pitcher who played against the eventual major leaguer Stubby Overmire. While in school, he worked at Grand Rapids Hardware. After graduating, Harry was hired by Expert Tool and Die because they needed a pitcher on their team.

In hopes of serving his country, Harry tried to enlist in the military but was declined. In 1943, as the U.S. became more involved in the war, he was drafted into the Army Air Corps. While in the Corps, he was assigned to work in flight service throughout England, Morocco, Casablanca, and Africa. Though he enjoyed his time in the Army, once his time of service was completed, he was ready to return home.

Upon moving back home, he found work with the city of Grand Rapids, working in Greenwood Cemetery, which was close enough to walk to work, and where he performed the hard work of digging the graves by hand. For nearly 39 years, Harry proudly worked for the city in various positions in the cemetery and parks/recreation departments, advancing his way up to supervisor. He enjoyed his work and the people he worked with.

While Harry was away in the Air Force, Eleanor VanMaldegen noticed his picture and name on the bulletin board at Richmond Reformed Church among the young men in the congregation who were serving in the military. Upon seeing his picture, she decided that she had to get to know him and made sure to be introduced to him upon his return home. As hoped, Harry returned home safely, he and Eleanor met, and a romance ensued. With a shared faith as the foundation of their relationship, it didn't take them long to fall in love. The church provided a place for their spiritual growth as well as many close relationships, and together, they made their professions of faith. After dating for three years, Harry and Eleanor were married on June 3, 1949.

Following a honeymoon to Niagara Falls, New York, the newlyweds returned home, where they lived with her parents for a year. Eleanor came from a family where the men were quite skilled in building, and with their help, during this year, Harry would build their longtime home on Maplerow, NW. It was in this home where they welcomed and raised their five children.

Marilyn, Kathleen, David, Beth, and Carol were the centers of their world, and Harry worked hard to provide for them. Though strict, he also ensured that he and Eleanor saved their earnings so they could travel with their kids. With determination, they made good on this goal. Harry built a camper, and the family camped at various parks in Michigan. Every other year, they traveled out west with the trailer. Wilderness State Park became a favorite destination, mainly because as years continued, the entire family would gather there together, and he and Eleanor enjoyed the closeness of their family while camping. Whenever they were near the water, Harry was quick to pick up his fishing pole. The family also enjoyed many special times at the cottage on Crockery Lake.

A humble man, Harry had many interests. He enjoyed golfing throughout his life. Known to sink the ball in the hole after teeing off twice, he even sunk a few holes-in-one. Unfortunately, one of them was not the hole he was playing. He enjoyed playing cribbage and also took a jewelry-making class, carefully crafting an opal ring for each of the girls in his family. He and Eleanor were members of the Indian Mounds Rock and Mineral Group. Where Eleanor had an eye for beauty, Harry provided the technical knowledge. They enjoyed the social aspect of the group, including traveling. He and Eleanor enjoyed other traveling opportunities as well. Harry particularly enjoyed the trip to Hawaii Eleanor had won in a contest and wintering in Gulf Shores, Alabama. He also enjoyed socializing with other retired coworkers at Sandy's Donuts once a week. As their family grew, another favorite way to spend time was supporting and watching the grandkids in their various activities.

With great devotion to his faith, Harry read his Bible daily, leaving a notation each time he completed one of its 66 books. He was a man who loved God and lived accordingly, valuing his family and wanting the best for them as well. About 17 years ago, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Even in the face of life's challenges, Harry never wavered in counting the blessings in his life and would remark that "God is Good." He and Eleanor moved to Edison Christian Living, where they made many friends. Eleanor passed away in October of 2019, and Harry spent his remaining years in the comforts of quality care in the Edison Christian Living community.

While life feels less certain in the absence of Harry's steadfast faith and love, we find comfort in knowing he has been reunited with his beloved and in the honor of carrying his legacy forward. In each moment we choose faith over fear, share our abundance, cheer on our loved ones' adventures, cast our lines, or take to the greens, we celebrate the many ways Harry blessed our lives. In this way, we keep his spirit alive and inspiring others as he inspired us.

Harry Robert Brummel, age 97, of Grand Rapids, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 11, 2022. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor; parents Harry and Jennie Brummel; brother, Bill (Bonnie) Brummel; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Harry is survived by his children Marilyn (John) Kozminski, Kathy (Jeff) Holmes, David Robert (Susan Henning) Brummel, Beth (Mike) Reynolds, Carol Brummel Vega; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to thank the caring staff of Edison Christian and Faith Hospice. He was a longtime member of Richmond Reformed Church, 1814 Walker Ave. NW, where the service to celebrate his life will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2022, at 3 PM. Relatives and friends may meet his family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW on Saturday from 1-3 PM and 6-8 PM and at church on Sunday beginning at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Edison Christian Foundation or Richmond Reformed Church. To read more about Harry's life, sign his guest book and leave a memory, visit www.heritagelifestory.com