Brian Bierstetel

There was never a day that went by that Brian Bierstetel wasn’t smiling since he found joy and happiness in nearly everything he did. He even taught others to appreciate and laugh at the little things that otherwise may have gone unnoticed. Life was not without challenges for Brian, but he laced his every thought and deed with his fun-loving spirit and tender heart. He was a devoted friend, a beloved son and brother, and the sunshine of every place he called home. Brian leaves behind countless lessons in patience, generosity, and unconditional love that will be forever held near and dear to the hearts of those whose lives he touched.

Much can be said about the seventies as it was the decade in which our nation impeached its first President, unprecedented advancements in civil rights were made, and the last manned spacecraft landed on the moon. It was during this time that America became acquainted with bellbottom pants and pet rocks, mood rings and lava lamps as the culture of our nation was forever changed. There was much to celebrate in Carson City Hospital in Carson City, Michigan, for the family of Robert and Susan (Simon) Bierstetel as they welcomed the birth of their son, Brian, on June 20, 1970. Brian was the second of four children in his family including his older brother Steve and his younger siblings Lisa and Eric. It was at an early age that he was diagnosed with microcephaly, a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects people in vastly different ways. Although he was born in Carson City, located along the eastern edge of Montcalm County, Brian was raised in the family home in Fowler. Even as a young boy, he never liked to sit still and was always active and curious, too. Brian discovered a stuffed “Ernie” doll and from that point on, there was usually one of these dolls within his reach at all times.

One of the most remarkable things about Brian was that he could find fun in even the simplest of things. He loved sitting in cars in the family’s driveway and usually blew the horn when neighbors passed by. Brian also loved to stand in the yard and pick the leaves off trees. He enjoyed watching his brothers on their roller blades and was always good at breaking his siblings’ toys. When unwrapping gifts with Brian, an extra dose of patience was needed as he meticulously unwrapped his presents one, small piece at a time. The Bierstetel family was a close-knit group, and Brian shared a very special relationship with his older brother, Steve.

Throughout much of his life, Brian lived in many loving group homes. He was loved by so many and just like the sunshine, he brought light and life to the world around him. Even though he was always happy in his group homes, he also looked forward to coming back home on the weekends. He made many close friends with those who he lived with and especially liked spending time with his special friend, Mark. The staff always enjoyed caring for Brian including the nurses when he had to stay in the hospital from time to time.

As he grew older, Brian continued to drink in each moment. Whether he was spending time with his family, shopping at Meijer, eating at McDonald’s, or being around animals or babies everything made him smile. Brian especially enjoyed Christmas, particularly the lights and trees. He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church and also a participant in the Special Olympics. Brian was deeply saddened with the death of his brother on July 14, 2002, eight years to the day before his own death.

Brian Bierstetel was a truly remarkable man who made a significant impact on the lives of those around him. He was always willing to extend a friendly hand and had more than enough love to give as well. Those who knew Brian often gained a new perspective on life as laughter could be found in nearly everything. Although life will never be the same for those who loved Brian, they will be forever grateful for having been given the opportunity to love such an extraordinary man. Brian will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Brian Bierstetel of DeWitt and formerly of Fowler died on July 14, 2010. Brian’s family includes his parents, Robert and Susan Bierstetel; sister, Lisa (Charles) Wriska; brother, Eric (Margaret) Bierstetel; nephew, Jack Steven; niece, Madelyn Rita; many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins; and special friend, Mark. Brian was preceded in death by his brother, Steven; niece, Kaela Sue; nephew, Charles Jonathan; grandparents, August and Leona Bierstetel, Paul and Joan Simon; and step-grandfather, Ernest Thelen; very special cousin, Jeremy Paul Thelen; and very special uncle, Ed Pettit. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, July 19, 2010, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler with Fr. Dennis Howard presiding and internment at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery following the Mass. The family will receive friends 2 - 9 p.m., Sunday, July 18, with rosaries being prayed at 3 and 8, at the Goerge Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes in Fowler. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the Special Olympics or Most Holy Trinity Education Trust Fund. Being so close to his family and cousins, the family would like to honor them by having them as pall bearers:

Chad Thelen, Chris Moody, Dan Bierstetel, Mitch Bierstetel, Charlie Bierstetel and Craig Simon.