Bill Denbrock

Funeral Information

A private memorial will be held in the near future. In addition, the Bill Denbrock Big Band will plan a memorial concert to be announced. Arrangements by Carman Funeral Home check carmanfh.com for dates and times and video.

Family of the Deceased

Bill is survived by his wife Nancy and her five children, Scott Mason, Lynn (Gary) Stair and their daughters Kaitlynn and Kylee, Rick Mason, Kent (Jessica) McKimmy and their daughters Kiera and Kaylana, and Clark McKimmy and his daughters Rayleigh and Delaney and also Bill’s three children, Robert Denbrock, Terry (Billy) Westen and their son Drew (Katie) and grandson Damian, and Mark (Melody) Denbrock and his son Chad. A highlight of his life was spending time with his granddaughters.

Biography

Bill Denbrock, age 88 of Bad Axe, passed away March 15, 2018. He was born in Coldwater, Michigan on June 23, 1929 to Bernard and Pauline Denbrock. Bill graduated from Marshall High School, class of 1947. He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Michigan State. Bill married his wife, Nancy, on April 17, 1996. Throughout his life, music was one of Bill’s greatest passions. He began playing the saxophone at an early age and was a very talented musician. In college, Bill played in the Michigan State Spartan Marching Band. Upon graduating, he became a band director and music educator and spent the majority of his career at Laker High School. As a gifted saxophone player, Bill played in several musical groups ranging from The Staccatos to larger ensembles like the Community Band and The Bob Olsen Big Band, which later became The Bill Denbrock Big Band. His 14 piece ensemble performed countless concerts, benefits and events throughout the area for more than 30 years, specializing in big band, swing, and jazz music. Bill was an adjudicator, traveling across the state judging high school band competitions. Bill was an avid photographer. In 1987, he and Nancy established Bill Denbrock Photography focusing on weddings and family portraits. An enthusiastic golfer, Bill enjoyed playing in several leagues. Bill’s passions included chess, history,reading and following his favorite sports teams, especially the Spartans.

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