Robert Brower

November 30, 1942 ~
January 2, 2026

Robert Pierre Brower, age 83, of Grandville, Michigan, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Robert Lee Brower; and his mother, Grace Clara (Vanderploeg) Brower. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 62 years, Cecilia Brower; his daughters, Tonya (Jeff) Kempema and Senta (Craig) Rozegnal; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and his sister, Leah (Alan) Lough.

A graduate of Zeeland High School, Bob excelled in baseball, basketball, and music. As a left-handed pitcher, he played for Western Michigan University and was drafted into the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, pitching for various minor league teams and locally with Sullivans. He later graduated from Western Michigan University, majoring in History with a minor in Music, and received his MME degree in 1973.

Bob began his teaching career as Band Director in Decatur, Michigan, and became the Lead Director of Bands at Grandville High School in 1967. He consistently received superior ratings and retired in 2008 after 41 years of teaching. He served as Vice President and President of District X, was an active adjudicator for both marching and concert band festivals, and was a member of the ASBDA and MSBOA.

Bob was a passionate golf and tennis player, a hardcore New York Yankees fan, and an avid dog lover. As a devoted Christian, he attended and often supported the First Reformed Church of Grandville, where he shared his musical talent.

Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Thursday, March 19, from 5-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 20, at the funeral home. A private family burial will take place at Ridgeview Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brower Scholarship Fund c/o Eduardo Garcia. (Please make checks payable to Grandville Band Boosters).

Memorial Visitation: Thursday, March 19 | 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Memorial Visitation
Thursday, March 19
5:00pm - 8:00pm

MKD - Grandville
4145 Chicago Dr. SW
Grandville, MI 49418
Get Directions

Phone: (616) 534-8656

Memorial Service: Friday, March 20 | 11:00am

Memorial Service
Friday, March 20
11:00am

MKD - Grandville
4145 Chicago Dr. SW
Grandville, MI 49418
Get Directions

Phone: (616) 534-8656

Leave Your Tribute Message

February 26, 2026

"Mr Brower" was bigger than life to those of us who had the pleasure to experience him being our band director. There are so many memories I have of band camp, symphonic and jazz band. He had our complete respect, not to mention our complete attention when he spoke. We were a tight unit during competition that listened to his every word. We all wanted to show him our best, not only because he deserved it, but he earned through the way he led us all. We all strived not only to be our best, but to also to see that slight smile come over his face after we performed a show or concert. Mr Brower, you will forever be remembered for the voice you lost during band camp, your countless repeating of stanzas for perfection, the piercing look when it was time to perform, and for the lessons you taught all of us on being a team. RIP - you will always being in my memories as the best teacher that I ever had.

- Kathy Ferguson

January 28, 2026

I can’t imagine my years at Grandville High School without the drive, imagination, and positivity of Mr.Brower. He was always in my thoughts when I watched my sons perform and march. He was there again when I instructed my grandson in the trombone. I can never thank you enough.

- Scott Southard

January 25, 2026

Thank you for the music, the discipline, and the countless Browerisms that still echo in our heads years later. You taught us far more than notes and rhythms—you taught us commitment, pride, and how to show up for something bigger than ourselves. Your lessons, your humor, and your unwavering dedication shaped us in ways we’ll carry forever. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy plays on in every student you inspired. 🎶❤️.

- Leslie Chearo (Buikema)

January 20, 2026

Mr. Brower, you were my favorite teacher, not just in high school but throughout my schooling. I was a shy kid, easily intimidated. I started out scared of this giant of a man with a strong voice. But my fears were quickly forgotten, because you seemed to notice. My favorite memory of you was when I walked into class and you said, “Sipe, I got something for you.” I went back to one of the smaller music rooms, and there was a brand new tenor saxophone to replace the beaten up loaner from the school. I was so proud of that thing! And how can we forget the Great Southern Contest of Champions that GHS marching and symphonic took all those awards for? You led us to greatness. Every time a new piece of music was sight read for the first time, we’d stumble through it, saying “this one’s too hard.” But you always believed in us. I swear through all these decades, that’s something that stuck with me. Just because it’s hard the first time you try something, you can actually succeed if you don’t give up. If you play it “one more time.” The world is less melodic without you in it.

- Shelly Sipe, class of ‘89

January 17, 2026

Bob made it look easy when scheduling conflicts happened in a school as large as Grandville. These always worked out because Mr. Brower always had the best interests of the students foremost in his mind. In my career as a school administrator enabled me to work with a few outstanding Band Directors and Mr. Bob Brower was the best!!

- Randy Remenap

January 07, 2026

I am so grateful for my four years of marching band at Grandville High School under the leadership of Mr. Brower. They made a lasting, positive impression on my life. I'm thankful for all of Mr. Brower's hard work, dedication, his good example to students and for inspiring so many!

- Janet Troy

January 06, 2026

Thank you for your service Sir in Education

- 🪶V. Scott

January 06, 2026

Both our children played in the marching band and concert bands for Bob. That sense of belonging with the expectation to work hard and work as a team had a huge impact on their lives. After all these years later we still reminisce about Grandville HS band stories with laughter and pride. As many know, the Bob’s (Bob B. and Bob P.) are legends in Michigan High School music history. Not only because of highly successful bands for decades but how they conducted themselves and shared their love of music with their students. So many others on the music staff at Grandville are a big part of this journey as well. To Bob’s family, we pray for strength and peace as you honor this good man. We have been blessed by music and his stewardship of it. Rick & Karen Smallegan

- Rick Smallegan

January 06, 2026

Mr. Brower was the perfect balance of a dedicated teacher and a caring father figure. Being best friends with Senta, his youngest daughter, gave me a front-row seat to his humor and heart. I’ll always cherish the memory of the time I 'cleverly' left my trumpet at school over Christmas break to avoid practicing. The joke was on me—when I visited their house, he tossed me my case and said, "Burrill, you forgot this." Seeing my 'Julie' stickers all over the case, I knew I’d been caught. He just shook his head at me with that signature smile. Through moments like those, he taught us about accountability and the transition into adulthood, always ensuring we knew he was rooting for us no matter the circumstance. Mr. Brower, you are finally free from your disease. May you hear the most beautiful sounds now. Well done, good and faithful servant.

- Julie Carlson

January 05, 2026

I can’t even begin to imagine how different our lives would have been if we had not met Bob. Working with Bob for 23 years is a only a small part of how my life was blessed by knowing him. From spending every spring break vacation with Bob and Ces in Florida to every New Years Eve together until this year, the memories and stories are endless! We connected from the moment we met. I will miss you dear friend! Ces, Tonya, Senta, grandkids and great grand kids, Diane and I are thinking of all of you during this difficult time.

- Bob and Diane Persky

January 05, 2026

"Mr. Brower" was and will always be a giant of a person, a mentor/teacher and one who was always dedicated to me and his students as none other. His drive to excel permiated us as frightened beginners and yet we persevered growing as students of our respective instruments. "Darn it Matheson" still rings loudly in my mind as we practiced for concerts... and marching? Hoo boy...His sureness of self and energetic smile reminded me that I was on the right path and wanting not to disappoint and to do the best that I could, so we "marched on." The man towered over me as a new beginner in elementary school and I have fond memories thinking that I would never learn to play the trumpet. But I did and I know he had a lot to do with that. Second only to my loving parents with their own musical talents, I have always held "Mr. Brower" as one who was dramatically influential in my love of music, my determination to pursue, to succeed and a lifelong passion that exceeds none other. Band camps were tough, Bob always lost his voice, but I wouldn't trade those memories for anything. Never. A thesaurus holds nothing to what could even remotely describe what Bob meant to us, and a dictionary will never describe who he was. R.I.P. my friend, Jim Matheson

- Jim Matheson

January 05, 2026

So many fond memories of band camp, marching, and concert bands. He made us the best we could be. I am so appreciative to have had such a caring respected teacher. I am so proud to have been a part of his Grandville band legacy. Thank you, Mr. Brower

- Karen Bradford Nicholls

January 05, 2026

You had a lasting impact on so many people through your love and passion for music and education. You were my band director all through High School and fueled a life-long appreciation for the arts. The first image that comes to mind when I think back is seeing you on that scaffolding tower, guiding us through our marching band maneuvers. I can only imagine you're looking down from a higher point of view now, continuing to provide your guidance and love. See you on the other side, Mr. Brower.

- Phoenix Swope