Donald “Don” R. Brege
Donald “Don” R. Brege, 87, who made his home in Grand Blanc, passed away at his daughter’s home in Honolulu, Hawaii, May 1, 2020.
Donald was born in Ocqueoc to Marie (Schaedig) and Arnold Brege Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1931. He grew up on a farm with eight siblings and many aunts, uncles and cousins in the community. His father died when he was in high school leaving him, his younger siblings and their mother to keep the family farm going. Serving in the army from 1954-1956, Donald was able to travel around the U.S.A. for the first time.
After studying at Mott Community College and the University of Michigan, he went into business with his brother-in-law in Flint. Ace Asphalt Paving was a thriving company when it sold in 1983.
Donald met his future wife Barbara “Barb” in 1961 at the Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth; they were married a year later. In the early 1980s he worked with his wife Barbara to establish American Field Service in their community. Exchange students from around the world have continued to find homes with families in New Lothrop ever since.
Don and Barb were deeply committed to higher education. Through the foundation they created following the death of their son, Jonathan, they enabled well over 60 graduates from New Lothrop and Onaway to continue their education beyond high school.
After his wife’s untimely death, Donald traveled extensively in Asia and Europe visiting former exchange students and his daughter, Ann-Marie. He loved making friends in places like Cambodia, Thailand and France. He enjoyed learning about new cultures and having adventures – including traveling by motorcycle along the coast of Vietnam.
Don had 12 happy years with Dorothy “Dottie” after their marriage in 2000; they often traveled with friends around Michigan as well as to Alaska and Europe.
Over the last eight years of his life after Dottie passed, he spent the winter months with his daughter and her family in Hawaii. Being Grampa to Sofia and Juliette, to whom he was lovingly devoted, brought profound joy into his later life.
Donald was preceded in death by his children, Lisa and J
Memorial service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Flint July 31 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Concordia Seminary designated to the Jonathan D. Brege Memorial Scholarship.
A memorial may be mailed as follows: Concordia Seminary, Attn: Advancement 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO. 63105.
Alternatively, a memorial contribution may be made to the Nature Conservancy in Donald’s name and designated to the Plant a Billion Trees project. During his lifetime, Donald planted dozens of trees in places that were special to him around Michigan.
