Michael Harlan Brewer

To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/fh6L8zuYtfE 

Michael H. Brewer, 79, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks.

Born on November 21, 1945, in Bagley, Minnesota, to Harlan and Hannah (Halvorson) Brewer, Mike grew up in Grand Forks and graduated from Central High School in 1963. In his early career, he managed Miller’s Grocery Store, where his friendly smile and easy conversation made him a familiar face to many in the community. He then pursued entrepreneurial ventures including co-founding Village Hot Sauce, operating the Super Stop Convenience Store in Mentor, MN, as well as U-Pump Gas Station in Grand Forks. On September 18, 1965, he married the love of his life, Bonnie Whitson, at Sharon Lutheran Church—a partnership filled with love, laughter, and many adventures for nearly six decades.

Mike found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved fishing, listening to Elvis music, cultivating his vegetable garden, and tending to the flowers in his yard. A fan of bingo nights, The Price Is Right, Wheel of Fortune, and true crime shows, he enjoyed moments of leisure as much as the time he spent in the great outdoors, especially at the lake. Another passion of Mike’s was collecting antiques and Coca-Cola memorabilia. Mike was an over 50 year member of the American Legion and the Eagles. Additionally, Mike and Bonnie spent thirteen years wintering in Mesa, AZ, enjoying every bit of the sunshine and warm weather with good friends. Above all, Mike cherished being with his family who brought endless pride and happiness to his life.

He is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie Brewer; his children, Chad (Tracy) Brewer, Nicole (John) Jacobson, Jeremy (Paula) Brewer; ten grandchildren, Steffanie (Aaron) Young, Jacob Brewer, Lucas, Sophia, Daniel, Joseph, and Matthew Jacobson, Dylan, Allison, and Mya Brewer; two great-grandchildren, Lily and Talon Young; sister, Susan Litzinger; and niece, Julie (Randy) Luehring. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Jim Litzinger.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Amundson Funeral Home, followed by a Memorial Service at 4:00 p.m. Friends and family are invited to attend the luncheon afterward to celebrate Mike’s life.

Mike’s warm and witty personality touched everyone who knew him. His legacy lives on in the laughter of his family, the gardens he tended, and the memories shared by all whose lives he brightened.