Walter Dean Brubacher

Walter Dean Brubacher (66) of Petoskey passed away on April 3 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, after a battle with cancer.

Dean, as he liked to be called, was born in Petoskey on December 5, 1954 and spent his early years in Brutus. After a time, the family was calling Plainfield, IL home where Dean attended Oswego, IL schools. Upon graduation from high school, Dean went to work for Caterpillar, Inc. where he worked for 30 years before retirement.

It was always Dean's dream to move back up to the family home in Brutus, where he has spent the last 10 1/2 years of his life. He loved the woods, its creatures and birds. He enjoyed traveling and rock music and had great fun with Gizmo, the family cat. He also enjoyed working at the Shingle Mill at the Northern Michigan Antique Flywheelers Club show. He attended the Maple River Mennonite Church and Celebrate Recovery at the Walloon Lake Community Church.

He is survived by his wife, Rita; mother, Patricia; brothers David (Kathy) and Richard (Marcia); aunts, Mary and Martha; nine nieces and nephews, ten great nieces and nephews; and many cousins. A cherished friend, Bill W., is also remembered. He is preceded in death by Jesse, his father; and Jennifer, a niece. He is profoundly missed.

Dean will be laid to rest at the Brutus Mennonite Cemetery.  A memorial service celebrating Dean’s life will be held at a later date and will be announced by the Stone Funeral Home of Petoskey. 

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