Robert Brower

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).