Brian Wayne Foddrill

Brian Wayne Foddrill, 62, of DeWitt, Michigan, passed away on July 29, 2026, after a long illness. We will miss his bright blue eyes, his subtle charm, and his loyal heart. Today, we feel both loss and peace as we celebrate Brian’s victory over Parkinson’s disease dementia and take comfort knowing he is healed and whole in heaven.

Born and raised in Mitchell, Indiana, Brian was the treasured only son of Bill and Rosie Foddrill. A natural athlete, he discovered his greatest passion – powerlifting- at a young age. Thanks to Uncle Bob Connell, Brian fell in love with the gym - a love that led to Indiana teen records, college competitions, and eventually a spot on the world team where he proudly placed 3rd in deadlift. Walking the line between cocky and confident, Brian excelled not only at powerlifting, but at every sport he tried (except foosball, which he insisted didn’t count). He beat out bunts for base hits, bowled a perfect 300, and golfed in 46 states - just shy of his goal of all 50. He never got that hole-in-one, but he chased it with enthusiasm and gave his competitive best to every game or event.

To expand his sports engagement in adulthood, Brian turned to coaching. For twelve years, he poured himself into baseball and soccer, earning his C-level soccer coaching license and building lasting memories with his sons and their teammates. When not coaching the action, Brian was an encouraging fan from the sidelines. He made it a priority to be present at nearly every soccer, baseball, football, wrestling, and track competition. After each game, he was always ready to share the life lessons of celebrating success, analyzing the action, and preparing for the next challenge.

Brian studied electrical engineering at GMI/Kettering University in Flint, Michigan. There, he met Julie, though it took a minute to realize his housemate’s little sister was the love of his life. Thirty-five years of marriage later, their story is one of partnership, humor, and devotion. Together, they raised three upstanding (and athletic) sons – Ben (Erica), Nate (Allie), and Matt (Elyse). Brian was also father to an accomplished daughter, Tara (Brett), although he regrettably only learned this late in his life.

Living by the motto “work hard, play hard,” Brian was able to carry over his athletic focus and dedication to the workplace. His technical skills and leadership ability brought innovation and success to a long manufacturing career. Like any good coach, he was able to blend the talents of individual players with effective strategies to form a cohesive, winning team. He was especially fond of his years at TG Fluids, where his colleagues became friends and their achievements together were remembered long after retirement.

Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Rosie; grandparents Pap and Granny; father-in-law Ray; brother-in-law AJ; Aunt Phyllis; and dear friend Jen Siegfried. We imagine them all together now, sitting in heavenly box seats, cheering us on from above.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Christopher Spears, UM Neurology; Dr. Travis Short, UM Sparrow Medical Group; the incredible staff at the Woodlands of DeWitt; and Hospice of Lansing for their compassionate care throughout Brian’s illness.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 5:00-8:00 pm at Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Home, 205 E. Washington St, DeWitt, MI 48820. A Celebration of Life memorial will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 11:00 am at the funeral home with lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the DeWitt Soccer Club, PO Box 644, DeWitt, MI 48820, or by using this link https://buy.stripe.com/4gM0026uG1bAcfo5gRco00B

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