Wayne Brege

09/22/1949 - 09/03/2025

Wayne C. Brege, age 75, passed away peacefully while surrounded by loved ones at The Leila and Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. He was born to Clayton and Gloria (Erkfitz) Brege on September 22, 1949, in Alpena, MI. The oldest of 5 boys, 7 children in total. Wayne is a Veteran and served his country as a member of the US Air Force during his early years. Wayne was a graduate of Spring Lake High School, where he excelled in his education and was heavily involved with his schools extracurricular. He represented Spring Lake as president of the chess club, debate team, and the astronomy club. Wayne was also part of the tennis team, he later enjoyed playing recreationally at Norton Pines athletic Club. He then attended U of M briefly before serving in the Air-Force, which sparked his love for all things gold and blue. Going on to further his education, he secured both his associates and bachelor's in computer sciences at Baker College while he was working 45 hours a week at Cannon Muskegon. Wayne was a chemical analyst at Cannon Muskegon until he retired from the facility as an X-Ray Lab Supervisor after working for them for 49 years when he retired at the age of 65 in 2015. Anyone who knew Wayne knew he was an avid lover of the solar system, Wayne enjoyed star gazing, telescope watching, and visiting the Kennedy space center. He also enjoyed spending time with his family whether it be at home or on many vacations, reading sci-fi books, watching crime shows, cooking, motorcycle rides on his Harley, growing vegetables, Florida beaches, his daughters banana bread, playing games on his iPad or the BK Junior Whopper. In his later years Wayne liked to spend his days lounging with his dogs, hanging out with his grandkids, watching his daughter and son's music performances, or even just reading his kindle. He left behind two chihuahuas (Marco/Harley) that he loved dearly and spoiled rotten. He is survived in death by his children: Adam Brege, Jennifer Brege, Melissa (Jason) Michael; former wife, Brenda Dailey-Brege Cook; Grandchildren: Nevaeh Brege, Jaxon Frees; great grandchild: Zailee; niece\nephew: Savannah Brown, Michael Ward; Great Nephew: Bryson; Brothers: Clayton Brege, Richard (Dick) Brege, Jerald (Jerry) Brege; Sister: Cathy Brege, and numerous other nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his Parents: Clayton and Gloria Brege; brother: Alfred (Al) Brege and sister Cheryl Lee. VISITATION will be held with family members October 10th, 2025, at Fellowship Reformed Church on Apple Ave, at 10:00 AM with a MEMORIAL SERVICE following at 11:00 AM for anyone who knew and loved Wayne. After the service there will be a LUNCHEON. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Harbor Hospice Muskegon. ***The family asks that those who attend come in their Harley Davidson or U of M Wolverine apparel if they choose.*** Arrangements through The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 Apple Ave. Muskegon, MI. 49442. Please consider signing the family's online guestbook and share memories at sytsemafh.com