DeWayne Robert "Bob" Englebrecht

DeWayne Robert “Bob” Englebrecht aged 88 of Ludington passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Bob was born on December 30, 1937 in Scottville, the son of Theodore and Bessie (Smith) Englebrecht and graduated from Scottville High School with the class of 1956. On February 17, 1962 he wed Doris L. Babbin and they celebrated 62 years together before Doris preceded him in death on February 17, 2024. Bob was also preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Patricia Brown and Charlene Jagow, and his brother Frederick. After high school Bob served his country with the United States Army. Following his discharge from service he returned to Scottville where he worked for George Towns Trucking and at Harbison-Walker in Ludington before completing Detective School thru the Ludington Police Department in 1969. Bob worked for LPD for 3 years and then served as the Friend of the Court Inspector for Mason County. In 1977, Mason County Sheriff Walt Carrier asked Bob if he would consider serving as Undersheriff – a role Bob enjoyed very much. As Walt was retiring in 1984, Bob decided to run for Sheriff and served our community until his retirement on December 31, 1988. One of the programs initiated under Bob’s leadership was “Vial of Life” where one would write their pertinent medical information and place it in a vial in their freezer. In case of an emergency, medical personnel could easily obtain the information needed to properly care for the individual and contact relatives. Bob also initiated the Discovery Camp for Boys that was held each summer in remote Oceana County. Bob loved woodworking and shared his love as a 4-H leader with the Weldon Creek club. When Doris retired from the Sheriff Department, they moved to Paradise, MI where Bob served as a weather monitor for the area – measuring temperature, rain and snowfall amounts and reporting to the National Weather Service. He also worked as a Trail Groomer in the winter, providing safer trails for the many cross-country skiers and snowmobilers who visited the area. Bob also turned their garage into his woodworking shop. Faith was an integral part of Bob and Doris’ foundation. They were charter members of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Scottville where Bob served as an Elder as well as a Sunday School Teacher, and members of St. John Lutheran Church in Cheboygan. Over the years, Bob and Doris provided Foster/Shelter care for several kids in the community who needed guidance and direction in their lives. Bob will be greatly missed by his children Robert (Michelle) Englebrecht of Central Lake, Mark (Corrina) Englebrecht of Custer, Diane Englebrecht (Shane Reed) of Ludington, and Dr. Amy Englebrecht of Park City, UT; his grandchildren Courtney (Shawn) Pomorski of Newaygo, Mark (Katie) Englebrecht Jr., Joel (Sarah) Englebrecht and Danielle Stark, all of Custer, and Kylee Stark of Ludington; ten great-grandchildren; his sisters-in-law Patsy Strayer of Scottville and Ruth Babbin of Ludington; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, foster kids, and great friends made over a lifetime of service. Funeral services will be held for Bob at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 10 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Scottville with Rev. Kenneth Williamson, Pastor Pete Engblade, and Pastor Dave Goehmann officiating. Burial with Honor Guard rites will take place at Center Riverton Cemetery later this spring. Friends may meet with Bob’s family on Saturday morning from 10:00 am until time of services at the church. Those who would like to remember Bob with a memorial donation are asked to please consider Hospice of Michigan, or the Friends of the Mason County Sheriff Department.

DeWayne Robert "Bob" Englebrecht

December 30, 1937 - December 30, 2025