John Mark Brillhart Sr.

John Brillhart Obituary

John Mark Brillhart Sr. Kentwood John Mark Brillhart Sr., age 84, of Kentwood, MI, was joyfully welcomed home by his Lord and Savior on October 7, 2008. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Dorris. John was born in West Virginia on February 18, 1924, but spent his early years in Battle Creek, MI where he met Dorris Lee Sly. They shared their first kiss as children on the church stairs. John graduated from high school in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Answering his nation's call to defend our country, he enlisted on April 1, 1943 in the U.S. Navy. He served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theatres as a sonar operator on Patrol Craft Escort 875. John and Dorris had been married many times in childhood play, but the real proposal came in a letter from shipboard. He was honorably discharged on February 7, 1946. They married on March 5th and settled in Battle Creek, where their children were born. John, utilizing the GI bill, graduated from Western Michigan with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He was active in the Pilgrim Holiness Church. After early retirement as a Chief Industrial Engineer from Clarks, John continued working as an engineer. His career led them to Michigan, Alabama, Illinois, and Texas. He is remembered as an honest, steadfast and kind man with a quiet sense of humor. His children feel blessed to have had him as a role model of a truly good man who lived his faith daily through example. His memory will be cherished by his children: son, John (Susan) Brillhart Jr.; daughter, Susan C. Brillhart; daughter, Cheryl (David) Prindle; grandchildren, David (Amy) Brillhart, Wendy (Tim) Wells, Curt (Ann) Wylie, Wade (Jenny) Wylie, Breanna Brillhart, David Prindle, Michael Prindle, Kaitlyn Prindle, Jaycie Prindle; and nine great-grandchildren, Justin, Kassie, Ashley, Dylan, Katie, Evan, Mallory, Gracie, and Rachel. The family will receive friends at Zaagman Memorial Chapel (2800 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids) on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday at Grand Rapids International Fellowship from 11 to noon. The memorial service will follow at noon with the Rev. Ken Anderson officiating. "Well done, thou good and faithful servantenter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Memorial contributions in John's memory may be made to Nazarene World Missions. www.zaagman.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Oct. 10, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for John Brillhart

7 Entries

Brenda Schrandt

October 11, 2008

John & Cheryl, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find strength in all the love & prayers being sent.

Kristi Nowicki

October 11, 2008

Dear Brillhart Family,

I am sorry to hear about your father/grandfathers passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
Kristi, Kennedy, and Mason Nowicki

Deena James

October 10, 2008

John - I was saddened to read in the newspaper when I got home from work today, about the passing of your Dad. I wish I had known prior to seeing you at the NHA leadership meeting downtown earlier in the day, so I could have passed along my condolences in person. I hope that the love of family and your faith will sustain you and Susan in the coming months.

Eileen Nelson

October 10, 2008

To the entire Brillhart family,
Time and distance has kept us separated, but I have fond memories as a young girl going to the Pilgrim Holiness Church with you. My parents, Wesley and Wauneta Aldrich have welcomed their friends, Dorris and now John home. I'm sure that each of them cast their crown at the feet of Jesus and are now worshipping Him face to face. John's quick smile, gentle spirit and godly example will be missed. May the Lord give you comfort, strength and peace during this transitional time. Our loss is Heaven's gain. We look forward to the day when we'll all be reunited.

Becky Berens (Williamson)

October 10, 2008

To all of the Brillhart family,

I went to East Kentwood with a few of you and attended First Church (now known as GRIF) for many years. You are all in my prayers with the loss of John, Sr. Please keep looking upward to God for strength in these very trying times.

Becky Maatman

October 9, 2008

Susan, my sympathy to you and your family at this time. It's sad when we love someone close, but there's also much JOY as he meets the King. With love, Becky

Kim Bowling

October 9, 2008

To the family of Mr Brillhart,
My Prayers are with you at this time of loss. I so enjoyed the time and many stories Mr. Brillhart shared with me. He truly was a member of the Greatest Generation. I will miss him and always remember him fondly as I share his stories with my own children.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results