Joseph Brief

July 15, 1950 - May 1, 2021

Joseph (Joe) Brief, age 70, of Grawn, Michigan, passed away on Saturday May 1st, 2021, at Munson Medical Center. He was born July 15th, 1950 in Midland, MI to Gilford (Gil) Brief and Agnes (Boehnlein) Brief. Joe was raised in Midland, MI along with his 4 brothers. He moved to Traverse City in 1971. He worked for Arnell Engstrom Children’s Hospital for several years, eventually transferring to the Oaks Correctional Facility in Manistee, MI where he took early retirement in 1995. Joe was a member of the Traverse City Eagles Club 383. He loved playing softball and was a member of the Relics softball team, playing short stop, for more than 30 years eventually making his was up to team manager. He was an avid music lover which led him to moonlight as a DJ for various events and functions over the years. He enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, dancing, fishing and the occasional libation. After retirement Joe enjoyed traveling with his wife Gayla and researching the family lineage. Joe is survived by his wife Gayla (Simmons) Brief, two sons Joe Brief of Midland, MI & Bill Brief of Palm Springs, CA, daughter Melissa (Brief) Putney and her husband Jeff of Beulah, MI. Three Step-sons Chris Seeley, Doug Seeley and Nik Seeley all of Traverse City. Eight grandchildren: Olivia Seeley, Dylan Brief, Madison Seeley, Dylan Seeley, Evelyn Putney & Logan Seeley. He is also survived by three brothers, Steve (Robin) Brief of Midland, MI, Mike Brief of Beulah, MI & Pat Brief of Midland, MI. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Charles (Bill) Brief. A memorial service for Joe will take place at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with a visitation beginning at 9:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the American Cancer Society in Memorial of Joseph Brief. www.relayforlife.org/midlandcountymi Please share a memory with Joe’s family by visiting his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family.