Brent Feyen

Brent Michael Feyen, age 46, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 12, 2026, after a courageous and lengthy battle with cancer. Brent leaves behind a legacy of joy, having lived a fruitful life of Christian faith and devotion to his family. Raised in Byron Center, he was proud to be a lifelong resident and a loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers and the Michigan State Spartans. Brent married the love of his life, Betsy (Derks), while in college. Together they instilled a life of service, hard work, and adventure in their three boys. A graduate of Ferris State University, he was grateful to have been employed at Exxel Engineering since he was 16 years old, starting out as an entry-level crew member and working up to Project Surveyor and Assistant Survey Department Manager. 

Brent's enthusiasm for life was infectious. He spread his love of his favorite sports, movies, and music to everyone he encountered. While some see vacation as an opportunity for rest, Brent knew how to squeeze in every ounce of fun and opportunity that time and funds allowed. He had two more MLB ballparks to visit with his family before completing a nationwide tour of the game he loved, sharing that love and knowledge by coaching hundreds of Byron Township Little League games. He enjoyed taking his family to concerts, riding on roller coasters, and creating a good campfire. Nothing gave him more joy than seeing Betsy smile and making his boys happy.

Music was a lifelong passion for Brent and he merged his love of both rock and worship music by learning the bass guitar and serving on worship teams since high school. His church community was integral to his family life. Brent enjoyed serving as a deacon and continuing that fellowship at their home. He had the rare gift of inviting others in and making them feel welcome.

Brent will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 22 years, Betsy; and their three boys, Garrett, Liam, and Nolan; parents, Bill and Pat Feyen; sisters, Kate and Jamie Thrams, Amanda Feyen and boyfriend, Daniel Heiss; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Hilda Derks; sister-in-law, Janie and Ron Ferguson; nieces and nephews, Beatrice and Blythe Thrams, Ryan, Joey, Collin and Lucas Ferguson; and a loving and large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins; loyal friends from numerous parts of Brent’s life.

The family would like to thank the friends and communities that have surrounded them so well during this journey; especially the church family at First Byron CRC, co-workers at Exxel Engineering and Southwest Surgical Center, and friends, parents, teachers, and teammates from South Christian High School and Calvin University.

A service to celebrate Brent’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, at First Byron CRC, 8541 Byron Center Ave., Byron Center, MI, with Rev. Jean Gomes officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, February 17, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the church. A private family graveside service will be held at Winchester Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions can be made to support Christian education for Garrett, Liam, and Nolan Feyen. To support Garrett, checks should be made out to Calvin University and mailed to Calvin University - Financial Services, 3201 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Please write ID #10013596 in the memo line. To support Liam and Nolan, checks should be made out to South Christian High School and be mailed to 7979 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Byron Center, MI 49315. Please write “Feyen Children” on the memo line. Contributions can also be made to South Christian High School or Byron Center Christian School.

The service will be live streamed and can be viewed via this link.