William Jacob "BJ" Brethauer IV

William "BJ" Jacob Brethauer IV of St. Helen, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, nephew, uncle, and friend passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 25, 2023, at MyMichigan Health Park West Branch. He was 51 years old. BJ was born on January 5, 1972, in Saginaw, Michigan, to William Jacob and Diane Marie (Fear) Brethauer III. He was a proud 1991 graduate of Reese High School. Following graduation, BJ enlisted in the United States Marie Corps serving from November of 1992, until his honorable discharge in 1996. In 1997, he met the love of his life, Angela Marie Hernandez, whom he knew in high school and as a neighbor, and they've been inseparable ever since. In 2006, he and Angela moved up north to St. Helen Michigan to the family home. BJ's little piece of heaven was driving his motorcycle. He was the president and is now a life member of the Iron Mustangs - St. Helen Chapter, where he was affectionately known by his friends as "Stump". BJ also enjoyed spending time in nature, especially fishing and hunting. He will forever be remembered for his profound ability to entertain and become the life of any party, as a good dancer with the biggest personality in any room, for his selfless love to his family and friends, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many wonderful memories and stories.

Surviving are his wife, Angela M. Hernandez of St. Helen; four children: Nicolle (Chris) Arkell of MN; William "Jacob" (Hannah) Brethauer V of MN; Angel Brethauer of St. Helen; Grace Brethauer of St. Helen; two granddaughters: Clara and Josie Arkell of MN; father, William Jacob (Marie) Brethauer III of Bay City; mother-in-law, Pamela Hernandez of St. Helen; sister-in-law, Virginia Zarazua of St. Helen; uncle, Duane (Nancy) Brethauer of Traverse City. Also surviving are many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Diane Marie Brethauer; stepfather, Edwin Brethauer; father-in-law, Raymond Hernandez.

Honoring BJ's wishes cremation has taken place. Military Honors will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2023, at American Legion Post 416, 10062 Ford Drive, St. Helen, MI, 48656. A Celebration of BJ's life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at the St. Helen Iron Mustang Club House, 8045 West Branch Road, St. Helen, MI, 48656. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the family c/o Angela Hernandez. Arrangements have been entrusted to the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, MI, 48603. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the service or through www.casefuneralhome.com.