Stanley "Stan" Brubaker

Stanley R. Brubaker “Stan,” 95, left us on March 6, 2023, to be with his wife of 63 years, Jo, who he first met when she was six and Stan was nine. Stan passed away at Munson Medical Center as a result of a long life well lived. Stan, an only child, was born in Cleveland, Ohio on October 7, 1927. In early 1928, the family, with Stan in a washtub, moved by train to Detroit. Stan graduated from Redford High, class of 1945, a month after Germany's World War II surrender and a few months before Japan's. Stan then enlisted in the Army and served with the 333'rd Engineer Special Services Regiment, along the Rhine River near Frankfurt, Germany. After discharge in 1947, he enrolled in Indiana University, Bloomington, where by pure coincidence, Jo was also enrolled. Jo was in the school of music, and Stan in the school of business. The couple married January 2, 1953, following graduation in 1952. The couple moved to the Detroit area, where they remained until 1972. After several years of operating his father’s business, Stan started an "Export Management" business, travelling to and doing business with, small, challenging countries in many parts of the world. Forty years was enough of that, so he retired. The family started renting a cottage in Glen Haven, on Sleeping Bear Bay, in 1961, starting the Glen Haven to Glen Arbor “Anything Goes 4th of July Parade" in 1963, which is still going! They bought the cottage in 1964 and moved there full-time in 1972. Losing Jo in 2016 was devastating for Stan, but he held his own and lived life to the fullest as best as he could without her physical presence. Stan is survived by his children Kristi Jo, Rod, Peter (Kathy) and Scott (Melinda); grandchildren Josh, Dusty (Adrian), Alec, Adam, Cole and Quinn; great-grandchildren JT, Eva, Bodhi and Farallon; as well as many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rex and Eva and wife, Jo (Drayer) Brubaker. A memorial service honoring Stan will take place Monday, March 13, 11:00 am, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Please direct memorial contributions to Glen Lake Fire Department, Glen Lake Library or to the Glen Arbor Art Association. “Up, up and Away!!!” (Stan hopes). Memories and condolences may be shared anytime on Stan’s tribute page, www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

Stanley "Stan" Brubaker

October 7, 1927 - March 6, 2023