On February 26, 2019, surrounded by his loving family, Brian Henry Wilber, 68 of Bronson
went home to be with the Lord after a courageous battle with cancer.
Brian was born July 17, 1950 to Garth and June (Crabill) Wilber in Coldwater. Graduating from
Bronson High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering at the
University of Michigan in 1972. He continued his education throughout life, earning two Masters
Degrees, one in Aeronautical Engineering and one in Family Counseling.
Brian proudly served
our country as a career serviceman in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in many locations throughout
the world. During his first assignment in Thailand, he participated in the evacuation of Saigon.
He became an accomplished pilot flying the T-37 and T-38 trainer, the A-7, and the O-2 forward
controlled aircraft. He was among the first 10 pilots to fly the F-117A Stealth Fighter for a four
year tour of duty, as a member of the top secret 4450th Tactical Group. Eventually attaining the
rank of Colonel, he retired in 1999 after 26 years of service. He worked as a family counselor
before returning to Bronson to marry Linda McDonald on February 14, 2004. He also worked at
his family business, the White Star Auction and was eventually inducted into the Bronson Hall of
Fame.
Brian was a man of strong faith and many interests. He enjoyed the outdoors, cutting wood,
gardening and raising cattle. He liked tinkering and building things using his engineering
background both at home and at the White Star. Brian will be remembered as a true American
patriot, courageous, strong, and dedicated. He will be missed by many.
Brian is survived by his wife of 15 years, Linda Wilber of Bronson; his mother June Wilber of
Bronson; his children and step-children Naomi Alstrup and Dawn (Joe) Nathan all of
Washington, Jared (Yumeho) Wilber of Japan, Mandy (Alan) Bolter of Grand Rapids and Corey
(Sarah) Collins of Coldwater, his siblings Brent (Ginny) Wilber of Burr Oak, G. Burdette
(Susan) Wilber of St. Charles, MO, Cathy Wilber-Welch of Coldwater, Becky (Dan Vorce)
Wilber-Myers of Coldwater, and Elizabeth “Buffy” (Dan) Wilber-Reek of Beverly Hills, MI; his
grandchildren Veronica Davis, Joseph Nathan, Alalya Alstrup, Ava Wilber, Ryleigh Collins,
Carter Collins, Reagan Collins, Hayden Bolter and Hudson Bolter; and many nieces & nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Garth Wilber; his son Nathaniel Wilber; and his sister
Dawn Marie Wilber.
Visitation will be held from 4-8pm on Thursday, March 7th at Dutcher Funeral Home in
Bronson. A memorial service will take place at 11:00 am on Friday, March 8th at Pleasant Hill
Missionary Church with Pastor Gregg Cole officiating and Military Honors being presented by
Coldwater American Legion Post #52.
Due to his passion for missionary work, memorials may be directed to Linda Wilber for the
Apostolic Academy & Orphanage in Liberia
