Rolland Edward Brand's Obituary
Rolland Edward Brand of Stanton passed away at home in the presence of family on Saturday, December 28, 2024. Rolland was born on the family farm in Mecosta County Michigan near the settlement of Titus on August 26, 1934, the son of Clarence and Gladys (Dent) Brand. At a young age, he began working the fields with a team of horses. Rolland and his older brother Jim helped their father haul the logs that would frame the large barn that still stands on the property.
Rolland began his education in the one-room Titus School and later attended schools in Weidman and Barryton.
Rolland was only 14 when his mother died unexpectedly, and more hardship followed 2 years later when serious illness prevented his father from working. Rolland left school at the age of 16 and operated the family farm for the next 2 years. His efforts helped to save the farm and keep the family together. He then went to work at Buick Motor Company
in Flint and was working there when they ran the first Buick “nailhead” V-8 engine off the assembly line in 1953.
In 1957 Rolland was briefly married to Virginia Ehl of Remus, Michigan. She was tragically killed shortly after Rolland reported for service to the United States Army. Following basic training in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, Rolland served until 1959 with the 67th AAA Missile Battalion in Worms, Germany.
Rolland returned to Remus in 1959 and found employment as a farm implement mechanic for Hardy’s Farm Service in Stanton, Michigan. Rolland (known as “Ron” to the community) then moved permanently to Stanton. He built a home and married his wife of 51 years Nathalie (Smith) in 1963. He continued to serve the community as a school bus mechanic for Central Montcalm Public Schools before becoming an appliance repair technician at Millard’s Furniture & Appliance – a position he held for nearly 30 years before retiring.
Rolland loved the outdoors and hunting. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting rabbits with his loyal beagle “Tiger”. He grew to love turkey hunting with his nephews, and he hunted deer until the age of 90. When not hunting, Rolland could be found creating projects in his woodworking shop or relaxing on his front porch – often in the company of his children and grandchildren. He attended the Berean Baptist Church of Stanton for several years.
Rolland was preceded in death by his parents: Clarence and Gladys (Dent) Brand; wives: Virginia and Nathalie; Brothers: Lorenz “Buddy”, James, and Harold; A sister: Marie Spencer; Brothers-in-Law: Bud Spencer, James Campbell, Louis Smith, Soenckie Smith, and Robert Remer; Sisters-in-law: Joyce Brand, Joanne Brand, Diane Brand, Margie Remer, and Arlene Parrish; Nieces and Nephews: Charles, Sherry, Carrie, and Doug Brand.
Rolland is survived by his children: Michael Brand of Stanton, Patricia (Eric) Fredrickson of Edmore, Joseph Brand of Sheridan, and Timothy (Heather) Brand of Grand Rapids; Grandchildren: Faith Fredrickson of Gaylord, Emily Fredrickson and Elizabeth Fredrickson of Edmore, Annaliese (Grant) Alderman of Cedar Springs, Audrey Brand, Carissa Brand, and Henry Brand – all at home; Brother Eugene (Joan) Brand of Remus; Sisters: Lila Campbell of Orange Park, Florida, and Jullee (Michael) Vest of Greenbrier, Tennessee; Sisters-in-Law: Louise Smith of Remus, and Caroline Smith of Bay Port; As well as beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins too numerous to list, but with a heartfelt mention of Tim and Kimberly for loving service above and beyond the call.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 4 at 11:00 am at Janowicz Funeral Home in Remus. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery, Sherman Township.
What’s your fondest memory of Rolland?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rolland?
Share a story where Rolland's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rolland you’ll never forget.
How did Rolland make you smile?
