Bradley William Van Leuven


In Loving Memory of Bradley William Van Leuven

January 26, 1954 – December 17, 2024

Bradley (Brad) William Van Leuven, loving husband and father, passed away on December 17, 2024, at the age of 70. Born on January 26, 1954, Brad grew up in Troy/Royal Oak, Michigan, and graduated from Royal Oak Kimball High School. Brad was proud to be a salesman and part owner of the family business, Valmec, that he built with his father & siblings.

Brad was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Shirley Van Leuven, his brothers Colin, Larry, and Rick, and his father-in-law, Bill Bishop. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 50 years, Jackie, and their four children: Ryan (Callie) Van Leuven, Bre (Mike) Anderson, Kyle (Katherine) Van Leuven, and Delaney (Alex) Broadworth. Brad was a proud grandfather to his cherished grandchildren: Brianna, Aspen, Parker, Hunter, Chase, Ryleigh, Owen, Grayson, Kinsley, and Finleigh. He is also survived by Sisters; Karen (Joe) DeMars and Krystn Tatus, Sister-in law Diane(John) Porter, and Mother-in law Sharon Bishop.

Brad was a man who found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially those that brought him closer to family and the great outdoors. He loved a good meal, particularly when shared around the dinner table with loved ones, and catching the Lions game on a Sunday afternoon. A passionate outdoorsman, Brad enjoyed hunting elk in Colorado and Montana, tracking Whitetail Deer in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, fishing in his boat on Big Bay de Noc, and spending fall weekends at the family cabin in Grayling riding four-wheelers and hunting partridge and woodcock.

Brad was not just a father but also a coach and leader. He passed on a loving and adventurous spirit to his children, inspiring them not just with words, but through his actions. As a coach to his children and many others, Brad was a role model who blended his competitive spirit with an incredible ability to motivate, teach, and bring out the best in those he guided.

Brad was a loving husband to Jackie, his wife of nearly 50 years, and together they were the perfect team. They raised a beautiful family, creating a life filled with love, adventure, and support. Brad and Jackie gave their children a rich and fulfilling upbringing, taking them on memorable trips to Florida and the Western United States, spending countless weekends at the cabins, and showing up to every sports game, always cheering them on from the sidelines.

Brad’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and the unshakable bond of family. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his amazing sense of humor, and his ability to make every moment meaningful.

A celebration of Brad’s life will be held on January 26th at The Fenton Township Hall, 12060 Mantawauka Dr, Fenton, MI. Visitation will begin at 12:30 with a service at 1:30.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a fund to carry on Brad’s legacy of supporting his grandchildren’s passions at the GoFundMe linked below. For those who prefer, direct contributions can be made at his celebration of life. https://gofund.me/27efc70d

Those preferring to donate flowers or memorials please contact any family member directly for address.

Brad will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him. We take comfort in imagining him in heaven enjoying the great outdoors he loved so much, stalking a big buck by the haymarsh, taking a rest by his favorite tree, or catching a mess of perch on a perfect bluebird day.

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8 Condolences

  1. Ryan Van Leuven on January 14, 2025 at 3:01 pm

    You will always be loved and missed Dad. Thank you for everything you sacrificed to give us a great life.



  2. Ryan Schiestel on January 14, 2025 at 3:08 pm

    Sir, you were a great man and father to one of my dearest childhood friends. You were always kind and respectful when I visited Ryan which I enjoyed on occasion. You leave with us fond memories and I thank you.



  3. John Porter on January 14, 2025 at 6:17 pm

    My favorite memorys of Brad were when he was telling stories of the past. You would get inspiered by his inflections of speech and would be amazed by his enthusiasm and energy for life. He was very pationate about work ,dreams , sports , nature and wildlife. I feel a great loss but find comfort in knowing he is at peace with the universe. So long and fare well brother till we meet again.



  4. Mike & Trish Ogg on January 16, 2025 at 1:04 pm

    Our sincere condolences & prayers for your family in suffering the loss. God took a fine man far too early. 🙏🏼



  5. Linda Goodwin Marino on January 21, 2025 at 2:18 pm

    Brad had a quality that was instantly recognizable. I only knew him for a short while in highschool and he never gave up trying to teach me to snow ski, slalom, which i finally masted years later and well enough to take on the Rockies. See you again and laugh again. You will be missed.
    PS say hi to my Paul, you will like him.



  6. Richard Dahl on January 21, 2025 at 4:03 pm

    My deepest condolences to the Vanluven family! Although we didn’t know each other well in high school I know from friends you were a good man. Your sister Kyrs is a dear friend, who I cherish! And your wife, Jackie, who I haven’t seen in years was part of the group I hung out with in high school! May God bless all of the Vanluven family because you were the kind of family I was raised in and will always respect ! Brad, please rest in peace and God bless your children and family🙏



  7. Sherry Erickson Pedigo on January 21, 2025 at 4:41 pm

    RIP Brad.
    I have many fond memories of you from high school
    My condolences to your family and friends .



  8. Elaine (Karry)Samulski on January 26, 2025 at 10:37 am

    One of my many memories was going to your house when you still lived with your parents and seeing your Irish Setter hunting dog cohabitating with your pet duck!
    RIP Brad.



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