Harold Walter Brehm

Harold Walter Brehm, of Waterford, Michigan, passed away on March 4, 2026, at 78 years of age. Born June 6, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan to the late Ervin Brehm and the late Loretta Ozment. He lived a life defined by faith, service to his country, dedication to his wife, and a deep kindness that touched everyone he met.

He grew up Downriver in the Detroit area and attended Riverview High School. Shortly after graduating, he answered the call to serve his country, joining the United States Army in July of 1966. During the Vietnam era, he served in Germany as a Teletype Interceptor. Following his active-duty service, he continued serving in the National Guard. Years later, he was called back to duty during the Gulf War, where he served on a front-line supply unit during Operation Desert Storm. For his service, he received an honorable discharge and was awarded several military honors, including the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star. He was also a proud member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

After his first term of active duty, Harold began working in the greater Detroit area for a local steel mill company and lived in Romulus with his wife at the time and four beautiful daughters, now grown: Stephany Terry, Stacy Howe, Shelly Durkin, and Sherry Coleman, through whom he later became a proud grandfather to Patrick Moritz and Lauren Tyler, Kelly and Macey Howe, and Tristan Durkin.

He later built a successful career in sales and was especially proud of his work selling cable television door-to-door, where his natural ability to connect with people earned him recognition as Salesman of the Year. It was during this time that a simple sales call changed his life forever-he met the love of his life, Karen (Waltz) while knocking on her door. They spent time chatting, and the rest became a beautiful love story leading to their marriage in 1987. Together, Harold and Karen shared a love of travel and the outdoors, especially RV camping during the summers while Karen was on break from teaching. They spent many memorable days along the shores of Lake Huron, particularly at Lakeport State Park and in Tawas.

They lived a life filled with adventure, laughter, and deep companionship until Karen's passing in 2024. Through his marriage to Karen, Harold also gained beloved stepchildren Sean Waltz, Jason Waltz, and Michelle Bickel and grandson, Bowen Waltz.

Later in life, he worked as a security officer for several organizations, including Strickland Security and Milton High School. Though he did not hunt, he appreciated firearms and was proud to have earned his marksmanship badge during his military service. Harold also enjoyed boating, cross-country skiing, riding his motorcycle, and playing both board games and computer games.

Above all, his faith was central to his life. He loved Jesus deeply and never missed an opportunity to share that love with others. He enjoyed teaching Bible studies at River Church in Waterford and encouraging others in their faith.

He was known for his warm spirit, generous compliments, and playful humor. Whether speaking to family, friends, or complete strangers, he loved making people smile and feel valued. Staff members at the Avalon of Commerce Township often shared how he would thank them for their care, tell them how beautiful they looked, and even jokingly teased about proposing marriage just to make them laugh.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate care teams of The Avalon of Commerce Township and Premier Hospice, whose kindness and dedication gave him dignity, comfort, and the best possible quality of life in his final days. The family also wishes to thank Coats Funeral Home for their guidance and support during this time.

Harold will be remembered for his faith, his service, his humor and sincere desire to make others smile.

Arrangements entrusted to COATS FUNERAL HOME – WATERFORD. To post a tribute, visit www.CoatsFuneralHome.com.