John Filbrandt

October 10th, 1951 - September 22nd, 2011

John's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of John here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Chris

Rosalee and I want to extend our sincere regret. Johnny was a real friend of the family. Growing up with Johnny and playing baseball and in high school basketball bring many fond memories.Thinking about times with your Dad and Uncle Bobbie Hinz bring a big smile to my face. Your Dad's smile would light up a room and he knew how to do three things very well, work, play and pray. You all are in our prayers for peace and understanding over the loss of such a good man.

David & Rosalee Hamlin

David Hamlin

At the reunion last summer I realized how very lucky we all are to have grown up together in such a wonderful place..it was so condusive to holding onto lifelong friendships. Even though I live so far away, John's friendship will always remain in my heart. Yes,he was my first boyfriend in kindergarten and my husband in second grade...he holds a special place in my memories. Love to you Chris and all your children and grandchildren..may you find comfort in your memories. God bless.

Kathy Shanley Petfield

If I may take some space here to put some words from others that I would attribute to John and his affinity for fishing:

The gods do not deduct from man's allotted span the hours spent in
fishing**Babylonian Proverb

Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish
they are after**Henry David Thoreau

The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but
attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope**John Buchan

Fishing is much more than fish. It is the great occasion when we may return
to the fine simplicity of our forefathers**Herbert Hoover

SEA FEVER**John Masefield

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea's face, and a grey dawn breaking.

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover;
AND QUIET SLEEP AND A SWEET DREAM WHEN THE LONG TRICK'S OVER.

With a good night JOHN BOY~fair skies and calm seas be yours**Patti Steffler Stoyanoff

Patti Steffler Stoyanoff

I have many fond memories of John as a Consumers Concrete coworker and friend. Several years ago we had our retirement plan provider do an employee seminar at the South Haven location. John made sure that we had time available to teach the employees about the value of their futures. After the meeting, our visiting guests were quizzing John about what we did in concrete block production. John asked them if they wanted a plant tour and they eagerly agreed. I knew John was swamped with work obligations, and told him we could wait until another time, but John insisted that he would make it work. The tour lasted nearly an hour and we all learned a bunch. To this day, the guests on the tour say it was the best one they remember from all the companies they vistied. This is a true reflection of John - - - always willing to sacrifice for the sake of others.

Brad Heidema

I was lucky enough to be one of John's high school classmates and knew that he was as beautiful on the inside as he was on the outside. We also knew of his mischievous side as well, and it was amazing to watch the wonderful transformation into "family man" when he and Chris married and started a family. My parents used to hold the young Filbrandt family up as the standard as to how our kids should behave in church. Believe me, we never quite made the grade!
Our hearts go out to you as you grieve life without John and now his dad as well. They have both been lives well lived and hopefully that will give you comfort and even a smile in the days ahead. God bless you all.

Bev Sherman Edwards

Dear Chris and Family,
My heart aches for all of you as you walk through this time of undescribable loss. Chris, you and John have always been a couple that lived life with deep love for each other, for your families, for a friend or stranger in need and above all, for your God. You give so much to so many. May you now be comforted by the love of family and friends and the prayers that are being sent from near and far!
Love and hugs, Kathy Kowieski and Family
Kathy Kowieski and Family