Robert Kevin Brettnacher

Robert Kevin Brettnacher, age 70, died August 26, 2023 after a long and courageous battle with dementia. Kevin was born in Lafayette, Indiana, the eldest child of Robert and Joann (Ruppert) Brettnacher. In 1984 he married his longtime sweetheart, Kathryn (Katie) Ritter and he re-located to Michigan. In his youth he was a star athlete at Jefferson High School in Lafayette, Indiana. He received an undergraduate degree from Purdue University in Industrial Education and Master’s Degree in Education from Marygrove College. In Michigan he was a drafting teacher and coached football and wrestling at the Romeo Community Schools. He spent countless hours coaching with the Romeo High School Wrestling program. Kevin was a beloved coach and mentor to his students. He helped and influenced many students throughout his career. In addition to his lifelong love of sports, Kevin was an avid outdoorsman and woodworking craftsman. He particularly enjoyed fly fishing, hunting with friends, and relaxing at his retreat in the Upper Peninsula. Many friends were the beneficiaries of his assistance with home improvement projects. Kevin rarely missed watching or attending football games at Purdue University. Kevin was a true friend and gave generously of his time to help his family and friends. Once you were Kevin’s friend, you had a friend for life. His numerous friends remember him as kind, generous, fun-loving, and devoted to all whom he loved. He also loved his Siberian Huskies and had eight different dogs over the years. You would often see Kevin around Royal Oak running his Huskies at all hours and in all weather. Kevin is survived by his wife, Katie Ritter, brother Joe Brettnacher (Pam), brother Dan Brettnacher (Allison), brother-in-law Doug Jewel. Brother-in-law Tom Ritter (Linda), sister-in-law Becky Ritter, several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and his dog, Arya. Kevin was preceded in death by his parents Joann and Robert (Bob) Brettnacher and sister Elizabeth (Eppy) Jewell. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Directors in Royal Oak, Michigan. (www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com). A memorial Mass is planned for 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 31 at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Madison Heights, Michigan. At 9:30 AM the family will greet visitors at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Michigan Humane Society. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.

Robert Kevin Brettnacher

January 26, 1953 - August 26, 2023