Brett James Belmarez's Obituary
Brett James Belmarez, age 39, went to be with the Lord on August 9, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Brett was born on December 6, 1984, to Rosemary VanderWal and James Belmarez in Muskegon Michigan. Brett received his undergraduate degree in criminal justice at Grand Valley State University in 2008 and later received his Master's Degree in Business and Administration from Davenport University in 2018. Brett made a career out of helping others as a child welfare analyst for the State of Michigan as well as beginning his journey as a realtor in 2022. Brett was married to the love of his life Desiree (Ratliff) in 2013 in Muskegon, Michigan. He was a faithful and loving husband throughout their marriage and devoted father to their son Roman. He spent time coaching Roman’s football and baseball teams which he enjoyed. Brett worked hard making sure his family was always provided for. He was an all around family man who was always diligent about making sure everyone in his life knew they were loved. Brett was a deeply supportive friend and partner who always had advice to give, even if you didn’t want to hear it. Brett loved duck hunting with his friends, fishing, golfing, and taking family trips.
This compassionate, hardworking, and selfless man will be deeply missed by his wife Desiree Belmarez; his son Roman Belmarez; his dog Ducky; his parents Rosemary (Doug) VanderWal and James Belmarez; his parents-in-law Linda (Todd) Long and Wendell (Deb) Ratliff; his siblings Jared (Christy) Belmarez and Megan (Brian) Blain; multiple nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, multiple brother and sister- in-laws, and so many friends. Brett is preceded in death by his grandparents Mary (Erasmo) Belmarez, William (Barb) Arcioni, and Jim (Hilda) VanderWal.
Memorial contributions can be made to Roman’s College Fund. There will be a funeral service held on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 11:00 am at Port City Church, 3387 Heights Ravenna Rd, Muskegon, MI 49444. A celebration of life gathering will also be held at a later date. Arrangements by the Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI, 49444. Please sign the family’s online guestbook and share memories with them at sytsemafh.com.
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