William "Bill" Brillinger

William Miles Brillinger age 87 of Rockford died Thursday, July 2, 2026 at his home on Myers Lake. He was born June 27, 1939 in Grand Rapids, the son of Milo and Rosemary (Herrman) Brillinger. Bill was a veteran of the United States Air Force and was in Korea after the war helping to fix the electrical system. He was a Grand Rapids firefighter for 31 years where he continued to help people. He continued helping his children, grandchildren and many others throughout his life. Bill enjoyed being outdoors hunting and fishing with family and friends. He had always dreamt of living on a lake and that became a reality in 1971 when he and Barbara bought their house on Myers Lake. Many memories of fishing, waterskiing, cookouts and ½ mph pontoon rides will live on. Everyone who encountered Bill has a special memory of his common sense lecture! He will be missed by many.

Surviving are his loving wife of 65 years Barbara; children, Bill (Annette) Brillinger, Jr., Steve (Amy) Brillinger, Merribeth (Tim) Fegel, Pat (Maureen) Brillinger; grandchildren, Will (Kelly) Brillinger, Alaina (Aaron) Corker, Tim (Jessica) Fegel, Heidi (Sean) Stebbins, Camille (Jake) Hohisel, Miles Brillinger, Noah (Sierra) Brillinger, Stephen (Michaela) Brillinger, Alyssa Brillinger (Max Waterman), Micaela Schichtel, Sam (McKenna) Brillinger, Elsa Brillinger; great grandchildren, Parker, Min, Truman, Georgiana, Elodie, Emerson, Emilie, Teddy, Matthew, Ezra; sister, Nancy (Dave) Tiesma; special family, Dave (Chris) Korpi, Mark Korpi; several nieces and nephews.

The family will greet friends 10:00 am Thursday, July 9, at Rockford Springs Community Church, 5815 14 Mile Rd., where a funeral service will follow at 11:00 am. Pastor Kyle Sanford, officiating. Interment Courtland Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Bill to Algoma Christian School, 1471 Sparta Ave NE, Kent City, MI 49330 or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.