Merle S. Brood

Merle S. Brood, age 89, of Rudyard, Michigan passed away early Monday morning, April 10, 2006 at War Memorial Hospital. Merle was born on December 13, 1916, in the family farmhouse north of Rudyard, Michigan. He was the son of the late Clifford and Ella May (Scott) Brood. He continued to farm his entire life, raising sheep and Holstein cattle. On December 19, 1945, he married Helen (Vinkemulder) at the original log Rudyard Community Building. Merle was a man of integrity, who trusted in Christ as his Savior. He loved and prayed for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren daily by name. Merle served his country in the United States Army, 164th Infantry, Americal Division in the South Pacific during WWII, achieving rank of Staff Sergeant. He saw action at Guadalcanal and the Solomon Islands where he was awarded the Bronze Star. He was active in the community, being recognized by the Governor for his 24 years of service as Rudyard Township Treasurer. He drove bus for the Rudyard Area Schools. He also served on the Rudyard Co-op Board, CEF board, and Rudyard Bible Church Board where he was a charter member. He enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and collecting information for the US Weather Service. He was also an avid Tiger fan. He often said, "It's a good day, the Tigers won." He is survived by his six children: D. Scott (Kathy) Brood of Olivet, MI, Pauline (Mark) Nelson of Columbia, SC, Rodney (Deborah) Brood of Rudyard, MI, Audrey Brood of Curtis, MI, Wayne (Claudia) Brood of Cedarville, MI, and Joyce (Bert) Nettleton of Grayling, MI, 12 grandchildren; Becky (Chris) Postma, Stacy (J.B.) Grey, Josh Brood, Martin Nelson, Arthur (Karen) Brood, Jonathan (Dyane) Brood, Rachel (Dan) Foster, Norman (April) Brood, Judson Brood, Katie (Jeremy) Bigelow, Morris Nettleton, and Anne Nettleton, and 12 Great Grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother; Leonard (Elouise) Brood of Buena Vista, CO, and 5 sisters; Agnes (Jack) Dorie of Traverse City, MI, Opal (Bill) Olson of Hammond, IN, Lois Brood of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Ardith (John) Leino of Gettysburg, PA, and Verna (B.C.) Quick of River Head, NY. He was preceded in death by his wife; Helen Brood (2000), his parents, two brothers; Glen and Willis "Bill" Brood and three sisters; Nellie Black, and Marilyn and Marian Brood. Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 8:00 PM on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at C.S. Mulder Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, April 13, 2006 at Rudyard Bible Church with Pastor Stephen Peters officiating. Friends may call at the church from 12:30 until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to Wycliffe Bible Translators, CEF, or Fort Wilderness Ministries.

Tributes

Merle S. Brood

December 13, 1916 - April 10, 2006