WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Brian Lee Metzger, age 57, was taken to heaven on Sept. 11, 2021. He passed unexpectedly, of natural causes at the home of his sister and family in Wasilla, Alaska.
Brian was born Feb. 18, 1964, in Angola to Albert Metzger and the late Nancy (Jewett) Barnes. He started school in Burr Oak, then moved to Bronson, where he attended schools and graduated from Bronson High School in 1982.
Brian is survived by his father, Albert and stepmother, Margie Metzger; a daughter, Chasity Atchley of Coldwater; two sons, Zachary Metzger of Sturgi and Zane Metzger of Marshall; his former wife, Jill (Vezeau) Hobson of Sturgis; three brothers, Albert “Von” (Connie) Metzger of Sturgis, Darrell (Chasity) Metzger of St. Joseph, and Forrest (Heather) Metzger of Noblesville, IN; two sisters, Cheryl (Paul) Blakney of Wasilla, AK and Eva (Ben) Neil of Quincy, MA; four grandchildren, Jada and Blake Wing, Royce Metzger and Logan Whitt; and numerous loving aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews and cousins.
He was known for his sense of humor, love for sports, playing volleyball, fishing and enjoying nature. Among Brian’s many talents were singing and artistry. Many of his friends and family treasure his scenic paintings, portraits and animal drawings. He also was an avid Michigan Wolverines fan.
Brian loved the outdoors and had worked for some local farmers, in landscaping services and at several area factories. He also was a backyard handyman & mechanic.
While living in Alaska for about eight years, he was employed as a housekeeping supervisor at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage, then on the Alaska North Slope.
Later, he resided and was employed in South Bend and in Grand Rapids. Brian dearly loved Alaska and was so happy to return there in August, where he resided and worked for his sister’s business.
His family is very proud of Brian for recently celebrating 3 years of sobriety. Now he can rest in peace with eternal sobriety. He had a strong faith in God and cared deeply for his family.
Cremation has been performed, and a local memorial service is planned at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9 at the Sturgis Evangelical Church in Sturgis.
Memorials are suggested by Brian’s family for the Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) of The Salvation Army in Grand Rapids. Checks may be made payable to Salvation Army ARC and mailed to:
The Salvation Army ARC; Attn.–Capt. Kerry Bartsch; 105 N. Fourth St.; Sturgis, MI 49091.
