Rapid River, MI
Army Specialist, Brenden Michael Bryant, a brave, courageous soldier passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 17, 2014 at the young age of 22.
Brenden was born January 5, 1992 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He grew up in Rapid River and graduated from the Rapid River High School in 2010. He enlisted in the United States Army in the fall of 2010 and began his training in February 2011. He successfully completed Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri in April of 2011. He was eventually stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas and deployed to Iraq in 2011 and to Afghanistan in 2013. Brenden was an excellent marksman and proud to be a U.S soldier. He was the recipient of the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Accommodation Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.
Brenden was an avid outdoorsman and loved four wheeling, hunting and especially fishing with his Grandpa Bird. He had a big heart and will be deeply missed by everyone.
Gone but never forgotten, you touched our lives forever with your warm smile, handsome good looks and comforting hugs. Family and friends are grateful and honored to have had you in our lives.
Brenden is survived by his father, Michael (Theresa Doneau) Bryant, his mother, Cheryl (Michael) Syers, two brothers, Brett (Cheyenne Linder) Bryant and Conner Bryant all of Rapid River, grandparents, Marion (the late Carl) Bryant of Rapid River and Leona (Theodore) Ritter of Gladstone and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who loved him dearly.
Brenden was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Carl Bryant in 2011 and Rodney Bird in 2013.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 27 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Congregational Church in Rapid River. Funeral services will follow at 4:00 PM at the church with Pastor Bill Rafuse officiating. Military Honors will be presented by the United States Army at the church. A luncheon will be served in the church fellowship hall. Brenden will be laid to rest in the Rapid River Cemetery.
The Bryant family is being assisted by the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.
PFC Barichello - NONE, TX
RIP battle. It was an honor to have served with you. I’m sorry I wasn’t there. Never forgotten.
Escanaba Senior Center - Escanaba, MI
Our deepest sympathies to Brenden’s family. May he always be blessed by God’s gentle love.
Brenda Baldwin-Motto - Escanaba, MI
There are just no words to express how sorry I am to hear about Brenden. My heart is aching for you. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
JA, Civic Center
Dear Cheryl & all,
You are so much in our thoughts. Our deepest sympathy from the women’s volleyball group where you work.
Francie Larrabee - Rapid River, MI
Our sincere condolences to Brenden’s family. He was a favorite student of mine. He had the biggest smile that just lit up his face. He brought fish over to us one time. He and my husband talked about fishing for a long time. He loved to fish and was so proud of that catch. I’ll never forget that memory of him. God bless him.
Theresa Martin - Gladstone, MI
Oh Cheryl, My Deepest Most Heartfelt Condolences To You And Your Whole Family. If You Ever Need Anything At All Please Call On Me.
Sue Cossette - Escanaba, MI
SHERYL AND FAMILY, MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL.
The Augsburger Family
When God calls our childrento dwell with Him above,
We mortals sometimes question
the wisdom of His love.
For no heartache compares with,
the death of ones child.
Who does so much to make our world,
seem so wonderful and mild.
Perhaps God tires of calling
the aged to His fold.
So He picks a rosebud
before it can grow old.
God knows how much we need them,
and so He takes but few.
To make the land of heaven
more beautiful to view.
Believing this is difficult
still somehow we must try.
The saddest word mankind knows
will always be Good-bye.
So when a child departs,
we who are left behind,
Must realize God loves children.
And Angels are hard to find!!
__________________________
Our Hearts and Prayers are with you
Please accept our deepest sympathy as we grieve with you.
Jason, Cindy, Tyler & Gunner Wicklund - Rapid River, MI
Our deepest sympathies to all of you during this very difficult time. There are no words to express the sadness and confusion. We pray for your strength and comfort in each other and family and friends. Our thoughts are with you all. We are so sorry.
Sandy Parrotta - Rapid River, Mi
Cheryl, words can not express how deeply you all are in my thoughts and prayers! Brenden was a handsome young man and well admired and loved by you! I am here for you if you need anything at all. I love you my friend!
kim micheau - rapid city mi 49676, mi
we just heard we are so sorry mike & cheryl
Sherry & Rick Nutt Sr.
We are so sorry for the loss of your Hero. May God Bless your family with peace, comfort and strength in the days ahead. With love, from another Military Family.
Nancy & Ron Boggs - Escanaba, Mi
Cheryl and family, my thoughts and prays go out to you, when I remember Brenden, I remember how great he turned out to be, you will be sadly missed!
Kathy Wolak - Escanaba, MI
Cheryl and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
L.A. - NONE, 0
Thanks for your service to our country. RIP.
McNally Family - Rapid River, MI
I just wanted to say that I am truly sorry for your loss and even though I did not know him personally, my two daughters ( Theresa and Milinda McNally) did. My oldest daughter Theresa 21, went to ISD with Brenden and also he introduced her to his father and mother too. They were very good friends and he even bought my daughter Theresa a dozen flowers and a card throughout their friendship. She is very sad and misses him very much and we will all continue to pray for him and the families that are left behind to heal and receive peace from our Heavenly Father. God Bless..
Lincey and David Harris
We dearly miss our Bear jr. Brenden you will always be a part of our family and remember your room in our home will always be made!! :'( We love you and hope you find peace now!
Lynnda
Cheryl,I was so saddened to hear about the loss of your son. May the grace of God be with you & your family during this difficult time. Love & prayers.
Robin Boudreau - Gladstone, Mi
Dear Cheryl&Mike. Sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers in hope to help you get through this tragic and sorrowfull time. Love you guys.
Sandi Caswell - Rock, Mi
Cheyrl & Mike ,My Heart goes out to all of you,I’m sorry We could not make it there for you but our Prayers go out to you all Love ya’s Wes & Sammy Jo Caswell
Patti Ayotte - Hermansville, MI
As a mother of an OEF soldier, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. These are special and brave young men, and always be proud of his service and sacrifice.
Austin and Kc - El Paso, Tx
You were the most wonderful person, so sweet. I would have done anything for just one more day in your arms. May you rest in peace and know you will always be with me. I miss you and love you.
LA - NONE, 0
Thanks for your service to our country. RIP.
SPC. MOTON, RASEAN
It was a pleasure serving with you and to be able to hangout and to talk to you man. You were a great battle buddy and will truly be missed man. Can’t believe your gone.. R.I.P.