The brothers graciously accepted the honors, saying they were humbled and honored.
“One of the goals of the TKAA is to honor graduates who have made a difference in the lives of others and have gone above and beyond in their chosen field. Tonight, we have two graduates who have made giving back part of their DNA,” said TKAA Historian Cindy Middlebush.
Mike Bremer has been actively involved in the community in a variety of ways and in 2021 received the Hometown Hero Award from the Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation. He has been a volunteer reader in the elementary schools and served the Imagination Library of Barry County. Most recently, he’s become a part-time bus driver for the TK district.
“The list of Mike Bremer’s community involvement is long and impressive. He has served as the Thornapple Township Supervisor and a Barry County Commissioner. He is also a member and held many offices in organizations including Rotary, YMCA of Barry County, Middleville DDA, Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation, Thornapple Area Parks and Recreation, Spectrum Pennock Foundation, Leadership Barry County and Middleville Housing Commission,” said Middlebush.
“He has given his time and talents on the Heritage Day Committee, 24-Hour Challenge and, of course, The Village Players,” she added.
Bremer said he moved to Middleville in 1952 and there are many from the next Bremer family generations now attending TK Schools. “We love this community and we’re going to be here for a long time. I’m so blessed and so happy I have had an opportunity to grow up here.”
Mike attended Grand Rapids Junior College after high school and later transferred to the University of Montana where he earned degrees in elementary education, health, physical education and recreation. He’s worked regularly as a substitute, was a personnel manager at Bradford White and a human resource administrator. He’s been an activity therapist for Barry County Mental Health and the Director of the Thornapple Area Parks and Recreation.
“Being associated with the list of names of people who have received this award is amazing. This is a great award. I’m blessed to be part of a fabulous family and community,” said Mike.
Mike’s younger brother, Dr. David Bremer was called next to receive his award. David went to the University of Maryland, the University of Michigan, Mercy College and Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. He has served as the Chief of Staff and on the board of Directors for Joshua's House in Clare, MI. He is on the Board of Directors for the Clare United Methodist Church Childcare Center and began the Bremer Family Endowed Scholarship through the Clare Community Foundation.
“He practiced medicine for 37 years and has delivered over 1,200 babies,” said Middlebush. “He and his wife, Colleen, have traveled extensively on medical mission trips to Mexico, Peru, Nicaragua, Lithuania and Haiti. They volunteer together at the Greater Lansing Food Bank and the Mt. Hope United Methodist Church monthly food giveaways.”
David graciously accepted the honor. “I thank the association for this very fine honor. It’s quite a humbling experience. I’ve been very blessed since graduating from Thornapple Kellogg High School,” he said.
David said he and wife of 49 years, have been fortunate to be able to travel on medical mission trips around the world to help others. “I’ve found a great deal of satisfaction in my career. I’m very thankful for the life I’ve had.”
The two new inductees join the list of other distinguished alumni:
Connie Beeler (1942)
Robert Wenger (1950)
Walter Eavey (1952)
Robert Bender (1954)
Sharon Myers Schondelmayer (1955)
Donald Williamson (1957)
Robert Williams (1957)
Donald Guekes (1958)
James Gibson (1960)
Janet Solomon Geukes (1961)
Larry Seger (1963)
Jody Helrigel Pratt (1966)
Gary VanElset (1968)
Bill Rich (1969)
Judge Miichael Schipper (1981)
Dr. Chris Noah (1983)
The next Distinguished Alumni Awards will be presented during the 2023 Homecoming game Sept. 29.